Jesus wept. John 11:35
Dear Lord Jesus, we all know this verse answers the question, “What’s the shortest verse in the Bible?” But it’s also a candidate for, “What’s the most profound and comforting verse in the Bible?” Your deep, aching, compassionate tears, shed outside of Lazarus’ tomb, are one of the greatest showers that has ever fallen upon the face of the earth.
You knew, within a matter of moments, your friend would breath again. You knew he’d walk again. You knew you’d get to enjoy his company again. And yet… you wept convulsively in the presence of his death. Well said, by those honored to see your sacred fury and great sadness, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:36)
Knowing you to be this kind of a Savior, Jesus, will be immeasurably comforting today when I help a couple bury their three week old son. Oh the pain, the loss, the confusion, the second guessing… Understandably, we cry, “Lord, if only you’d been there…”
But, Jesus, no one hates death more than you, NO one. No one feels it’s implications more profoundly. No one grieves its violation more deeply. No one longs more earnestly for the Day of “no more death” than you do. (Revelation 21:4). Perhaps some of your tears outside of Lazarus’ tomb were offered knowing he’d have to go through the whole rotten dying process again… such is your hatred of death.
Today, Jesus, I rest my sobered and saddened heart in being able to call you, “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Indeed, in your death we taste and see the death of death itself. You’ve already secured the destruction of the last enemy, death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26). And by the light of your resurrection, we’re able to sing in advance of the Day of our resurrection… with no-spin gospel-sanity, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).
How we praise you! How we exalt you! How we rest our heavy hearts in your loving hands… so very Amen, I pray… we pray, in your kind and victorious name.
