I sit in the narrative of Mary and Martha. In between stinks. Unexpected circumstances punch in the gut, making exhaling feel impossible. Who can fix this broken body? The shattered vision of what was anticipated?
Four days. But who is keeping track of time when grief hits? Days and nights morph together figuratively and literally. No appetite. Because what on earth can possibly satisfy in the face of loss?
Yet Jesus approaches, later than expected but he comes. To comfort, to resurrect. But first, to weep.
The smallest verse in the Bible speaks volumes. Jesus wept. (John 11:34-35)
He sits in the anguish of what surrounds him. It is believed that the source of his grief is his anger at death. He feels the pain of the flesh. He hears the wails of the mourners and laments that their current connection to Lazarus is broken.
Those four days from an earthly perspective did not feel filled with the “good” once declared by God over all things created. Or the promise of abundant life Jesus promised to those willing to come along side him.
Jesus wept.
Weeping recognizes that things might not always be fixed the way we expect on this side of Heaven. That doesn’t mean we stop calling for him, hoping for his healing here, and witnessing miracles in numerous ways. He is still working through all creation to make things right.
Jesus isn’t contained to his throne watching from a distance. He enters into our suffering. And while we wait, while we question all the things, we welcome his peace. His presence. His promises: “I am, right now, Resurrection and Life.” (John 11:25).
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I am your FMF neighbor, and it was not by chance. I lost someone very important to me last week, and literally described it as a punch in the gut. And although you and I are neighbors (and yet) complete strangers, your words here today remind me that Jesus. Always. Knows.
I am always blown away by how the Holy Spirit works. I am so sorry about your loss. The post came about through my digging deep into my own traumatic experiences, particularly some that have popped up in the last few weeks. Writing can be cathartic.
I am so grateful our God is the same yesterday today and forever and that Jesus isn’t contained to his throne. I love how you used the story of Lazarus in this post. Visiting from fmf #4
Yes, so grateful knowing that ‘Jesus wept’. He didn’t tell Mary and Martha how they should feel, He joined them in their grief. What a God! Thanks for your post. Visiting from FMF.
We .lost a couple of family members a few days before Christmas the grief is still very raw and near the surface.
Here is the post Ii wrote a couple of days ago. I hope it helps. mylifeinourfathersworld.com/2021/01/21/in-our-time-of-need/
Stopping by from FMF #43
I am sorry for your losses. As you point to in your post, scripture reminds us that God is still speaking into our lives through all circumstances. Even when we have all the big questions in those hard moments, we can hide those words in our heart. BTW, I have personal experience with prison ministry too. Would love to talk more about that mutual interest sometime.
Yes! Jesus comes alongside us in all our trials and joys. We are never alone.