February 29

The Banishment Of Pain

‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away. — Rev 21:4 BSB

Few lives escape pain. Beneath the surface of our physical frame, a network of nerves runs, each of which may become a source of suffering. We often take health for granted, not realizing that it depends on the delicate balance of thousands of tiny fibres working together. But when one is disturbed, the result is pain, a discord in the body’s harmony.

Our minds and hearts are just as susceptible to suffering as our bodies. Indeed, much of the world’s suffering is generated within the soul rather than the body. A wounded spirit—who can bear it? The sensitive network of our emotions, hopes, fears, relationships with God and others, and our self-awareness can inflict suffering that surpasses physical pain.

Pain serves a purpose. It is a warning signal, urging us to avoid harmful behaviors or to seek healing. In the moral world, God has made the way of the transgressor hard, sowing their path with thorns to turn them away from evil. In the spiritual world, the sharp sting of remorse, the scourge of conscience, and the agony of conviction—like Peter’s anguish after denying Christ—are invaluable reminders that we have strayed from the path.

Our Lord Jesus knew pain. He was a Man of Sorrows, familiar with suffering. Moved by compassion, He healed the sick and comforted the sorrowful, giving a sign that one day He will abolish pain.

Why did the Seer of Patmos proclaim that pain would be no more? Because pain arises from dislocation, and in that fair world, everything will work in perfect harmony. Because pain is the result of sin, and in that world, sin shall be no more. Because pain came from the fruit of the knowledge of evil, and we shall eat from the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Then there will be songs instead of sighs and anthems in place of heartbreak.

Prayer

Grant, O Lord, that we, along with all whom we love and all weary and tired souls, may find rest and peace in You. May we one day enter the city where there will be no more sorrow, crying, pain, or sin, for the old things will have passed away. Amen.