“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,which God has promised to those who love him.”+James 1:12
To my suffering and grieving friends. A recent comfort God has given me and I wish to share with you.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.”
“Jesus wept.”
+John 11:25-27, 35
Jesus Wept
Jesus was just as much human as you and I. He felt pain and experienced great sorrow, depression and grief at times. This did not subtract from his divinity, it only added a human dimension to it. Jesus also had close friends, like Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He wept, literally burst into tears, over the death of his friend Lazarus (v. 35). Soon after, he spoke a word and Lazarus rose up and walked out of the tomb, showing the awesome power of God (v. 43-44)! Jesus was the Son of God because he could flip death on its head and bring life from the darkness. Wow! What’s amazing about this miracle is how much it relates to our personal lives, and to mine right now. Two observations stand out to me. First, Jesus grieves with us. When we lose someone close, Jesus knows our pain because he endured the same thoughts and emotions when his friend died. He has both compassion and empathy for us. Second, Jesus is the Life-Giver. Lazarus was in a stinky, cold tomb, wrapped up in crusty burial clothes for four days. Mary and Martha bitterly cried over their brother’s loss. Jesus was moved in his spirit, wept with them and then rose Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus Weeps with Us
When we face death in our lives, Jesus breathes new life into our hearts as we lean on Him. We can grieve well because Jesus grieved well and because He brought life out of death. As we weep Jesus weeps with us and carries us by His grace. He pried Lazarus from death’s grip and restored his body and soul to life again. In conclusion, this passage gives us hope. Death is a harsh, unsuspecting thief that steals away those we love. Sometimes our hearts are crushed and our hope is thin, but we have a Savior who cried tears of pain just as we do and offers a healing remedy for our sorrows. As we trudge through the muck and mire of grief, we can look ahead at our Lord who has placed footprints for us to walk in. As one who has carried our sorrows, and died in our place on the cross, he can bring the healing we need and offer strength because God raised him from the dead. What hope!? As we face the dark days ahead, let us lean on Jesus and comfort others in the valley with us. Praying for you dear friend as you take one step at a time.
Your friend, Steve.
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