What is an itch?
An itch is an irritation in the skin
that elicits an urge to scratch.
By experience, we all know what an
itch is. But do you know where an itch comes from? What is the biology of an
itch?
Itch has many similarities to pain.
Nerve fibers for itch and pain both originate in the skin. Itch receptors,
however, are found only on the top two skin layers. The innermost layers of
skin do not have these receptors. Nor do we ever perceive itch in muscles or joints.
Itch can be caused by infection, allergic reaction, various skin conditions,
healing, and even by the power of suggestion.
Just talking about itching is like
talking about water. When you start to hear about cold, refreshing,
thirst-quenching water, a common natural reaction is that you want a drink.
When you hear someone talk about itching or read about it, it isn’t long before
you may notice an itch to scratch. And when you start scratching in one place
and the itch seems to move. When I have had to wear a cast for a broken bone I
have experienced what I call an “exquisite” itch – one that is so strong that
it must be scratched. That’s one of the reasons coat-hangers were invented as
far as I’m concerned. And when that kind of itch is scratched, the sense of
relief is so great that I might scratch too much. And too much scratching leads
to the danger of infection when the skin is broken.
Joanne is very useful at times when
I have an itch I cannot reach, though she must depend on me navigating her to
the right place on my back. For some reason, it feels better when she scratches
than when I use a backscratcher. I don’t know why that is. Itching is such a
common part of life that we scratch much of the time without even thinking. But
itching can be serious (think poison ivy for those who are allergic) and can
become a very problematic condition. Swimmer’s itch caused a shutdown of the
waterfront at camp a few years ago and became a health issue there. Wherever it
originates, most of us don’t like an itch because it’s just plain annoying.
Have you had to scratch since you
started reading this? See what I mean?
For the most part, in the Bible the
word “itch” is confined to some ceremonial/cleanliness laws in the book of
Leviticus. But there is an expression used by Paul in his second letter to
Timothy that uses the word “itch” as an adjective, describing something about
people. Nearing the end of his life and ministry, Paul charges Timothy to
faithfully preach the Word of God at all times – what he calls “in season and
out of season”. This includes patiently and carefully instructing, correcting,
rebuking, and encouraging. Why was this necessary – both then and now? Because
a time will come when people will not put up with – the will even hate – sound
biblical truth and teaching. Instead, they will run after and fill up on all
kinds of ideas and teachings that are doing nothing more than scratching their
itch for pleasure… allowing them to do what they want to do Their goal, in
effect, is the opposite of what God wants in their lives. Paul describes these
people as having “itching ears”. They have an insatiable desire to hear what
they want to hear. Today this desire exists on university campuses, in the
media, and in all manner of churches where the truth of God’s Word is not
enough, or not “acceptable” to the intellectual palate of our time. The words
of the Bible are old and out-of-date in the minds of many. Yet there is great
pursuit of all kinds of spiritual ideas that are so far-fetched and do little
more than give people what they want.
Far be it from anyone to say “No” to someone else’s ideas.
But Paul knew that the Word of God
has power, so he encourages Timothy to preach it boldly and faithfully. How
about you? Are you looking to the church and its leaders – and to spiritual
things in general – to make you feel good and never offend your modern
sensibilities… or are you looking for the deep and abiding truths of God’s Word?
Where is your itch? Only God’s Word can get it ultimately.
2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NIV) 1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his
kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be
prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great
patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will
come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own
desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what
their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their
ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV) 10 As the rain and the snow come down from
heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud
and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return
to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for
which I sent it.
Hebrews 4:12
(NIV) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
PRAYER: Father, may your Word be what I hunger for,
even when what it tells me is uncomfortable in this world’s eyes. You are the
author of all truth. May my desire be for you… for your ways… and for your ends
in my life and in my world. Teach me to love your Word, and to run from all
things intellectual and physical which are nothing more than my wants and
wishes. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus’
name, AMEN.”
Jesus
Christ is Lord!
Scott
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