By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
"Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
He wept! Why? For a long time, I understood this to mean Jesus wept because his friend Lazarus was dead. However, reading the whole chapter, I understood that Jesus planned to raise Lazarus as another miracle done by the Human One. So, what was the weeping about? He showed Mary, Martha, and others his human nature and his compassion for them.
From Pauses for Lent, (p.41), "His tears remind us that God weeps with us, grieves with us, and suffers with us." What a gift from God!
After my husband died, I couldn't get through a church service without tears flowing. Forget about singing Eagle's Wings! In a conversation with Pastor Andy, I shared that I couldn't stop the tears during worship. He responded, "Perhaps that is where you feel closest to God and feel His love." What a peace-giving thought. My pools of tears are okay because God is wrapping his loving arms around me and helping me find hope out of despair.
Lord, Hear My Prayer:
Turn to me, God, and have mercy on me
because I'm alone and suffering.
My heart's troubles keep getting bigger—
Set me free from my distress. (Psalm 25:16-17, CEB}