July 8, 2025

“We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” – Luke 23:41-42

In the last several days I have had the privilege of making a couple different trips to the mountains. When you first drive into the Wet Mountain Valley of Colorado and see the Sangre de Cristo Range in all its glory, you can’t help but stand in awe of God’s creation. In a similar vein, the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School was “Magnified.” Basically, the idea was how we can see God in all the fine details of the world around us; like a butterfly’s wings, the fingerprints on your hand, or the petals of a flower. These incredibly beautiful things make it easy to see how amazing our God is and praise him for his greatness…

But our world isn’t always beautiful. It is easy to see God in the mountains or the flowers, but how do we find him in the pain? I think the words of the criminal on the cross can do a lot to answer this question for us. He was in the deepest pain imaginable, and it was there that he recognized Jesus. How? He saw a man who, though innocent, was willing to suffer for the ones he loved. We have a Savior who is familiar with suffering. When we hurt, we know that he has experienced the very deepest pain – physical, emotional, spiritual – that a human can experience and he endured it all willingly for us. God’s love is most fully displayed in the pain of the Cross. God is not only present in the pain, he is often doing his most beautiful work.

Almighty God and loving Heavenly Father, show us who You are – in the majestic mountains, the intricate butterfly, the warmest hug, and the deepest pain.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon