I have lost a good friend, a loyal brother, a dedicated father, and a wise Grandpa. All of whom fit in a man who stood just five-foot three. He was the hero I called Arthur Hobbs. I feel his absence and I've filled the cold space with warm tears many times. Five times while writing this single, insufficient paragraph, and I know there are more to come. Throughout this intolerable, heart-rending process, from my place behind the tears, I am reminded; Love is worth the pain. You see, the lessons I remember best are earned through suffering. From the deepest waters of my soul where the Breath of the Living God dwells I hear a whisper, Love is worth the pain.
I first learned this bittersweet lesson reading Matthew's gospel Chapter twenty seven. An image came to me of Jesus lying upon the Cross. A Roman soldier brought the hammer down and drove the nail home. In that moment, the Spirit opened my eyes to a startling fact, Jesus Christ willingly took the nails! The Lamb of God chose to be the Sacrifice. So that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting Life. Jesus made the conscious decision to show His Love through crucifixion. It's been there for all mankind to see through two-thousand years of human history. The lesson of Calvary reads: Love is worth the pain. Amen.
Today, I study this lesson once again. Here and now, with all of you who feel Art's empty space. We earn this lesson together; Love is worth the pain. Art was a humble man who put others first, and that reminds me of Christ. Art was humble but he did amazing things for ordinary people, even complete strangers. Whenever I really needed Art he was always there. That's Christ-like, too.
Art was a breed of hero in short supply. He wasn't faster than a speeding bullet, but he walked the distance plus a mile more. He wasn't more powerful than a locomotive, Art's prowess was demonstrated on the field of service to his community, his church, and our God. Art came to serve. He couldn't leap tall buildings in a single bound, but performed above and beyond the call of duty. Art loved God and Loved others as himself. Art was never a master, instead he was like the Master. Art never earned a degree, yet he possessed a wisdom that many great scholars never gain. The lesson is: Love is worth the pain.
Over the past weeks I've spent much time reflecting on my relationship with Art. My introspection has led me to another profound awareness. I remembered the fellowship, mentoring, common sense advice, and honest concern Art had for me. These were…no, these are the reasons I love Arthur Hobbs. Once more the Spirit opened my blind eyes to realize that Art Loved me long before I Loved him in return. That is the exact relationship history I have with the Crucified Rabbi from Galilee. Since history repeats itself, I will say it again, Love is worth the pain.
If there is any doubt that remains, ask a birth mother holding her child for the first time and she will say the same. Love is worth the pain.
I am in mourning now with many others. I weep with no shame. We are in darkness now, but like the Son we will rise again. So my friends until then please remember, Love is worth the pain.
Where Art is now, there is no more pain, there is only Love.
Amen.
Where Art is now, there is no more pain, there is only Love.
Amen.
