This week’s world news held a poignant picture of an Italian mourner standing alone and touching the casket of his loved one through a nitrile glove. What a blight is on the world, to rob mourners of the comfort of being surrounded by family and friends at a funeral. Where is God in this? We know that He is weeping with them at the graveside.
“Jesus wept,” (John 11:35). This short verse paints a stunning picture of just how deeply the Lord chooses to care for us and enter into our grief.
Why did Jesus weep at the tomb of Lazarus? He knew that His friend would be restored to life in a few minutes, so why was He so moved? He loved this family and was moved with empathy at the grief of the dead man’s sisters, Mary and Martha. He wept over the unbelief of the people around Him – Mary who could not dare to believe that the Resurrection and the Life stood ready not just to raise her brother “at the last day,” but to raise him now; and some in the crowd who would not put their trust in Him even after seeing the dead raised to life. Maybe He was also saddened by the harsh reality of death, which was never meant to be part of our world. Jesus knew that He would face it as well, and one day defeat it as His final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). But for now, He shared in the weeping at the tomb.
In the words of a Swedish proverb, “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is a half sorrow.” Are you doing well right now? Thank and praise Him for preserving you and bringing you joy in the midst of uncertainty. Is your heart heavy for a loved one or for the world? Bring it to Him, and His nearness will lighten your burden.
Recent Comments