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Dear Saints,
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead; He knew he was going to raise him, and yet he wept over his death. Why would Jesus weep knowing in a few minutes Lazarus would be alive and well? At first, I thought that Jesus was mourning with those who mourn. He did not weep when Martha came, but instead appealed to Martha’s intellect and faith. He provided her facts with the hope of the resurrection. When Mary came, Jesus wept with her. Perhaps, Mary was more upset evidenced by her crying, and Jesus was meeting her where she was at. It does say that “when Jesus saw her weeping…he was deeply moved.” So, I figured, Jesus was mourning with those who mourn like a good Christian should, and then got on to the business of raising Lazarus. After my son died, my thoughts on all of this changed. I truly believe that Jesus, being human, grieved for his friend. I also believe that Jesus saw what sin and death is doing to His children. Was this the first time, as Jesus of Nazareth, he fully realized the death of a loved one is the most painful thing we face in life? Did he see that what Mary was feeling is played out continually, day after day in the lives of His children. He had a front row seat to the pain death brings to humanity. He saw the suffering of loss, and he wept for us all who walk this path of pain. The cataclysmic pain brought about by the death of my son is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. It is hell. Beyond a doubt, I know Jesus wept for me and with me. It is important to note that Jesus had just reviewed the promises of resurrection with Martha. Now, with Mary, he was weeping. I can tell you that I had officiated over 20 funerals and walked with families through bereavement. I assured them of all of God’s promises and hope of reunion one day. Some even testified to how much it helped them. Now, I had a front row seat, and I was torn apart. Breathing was an effort, and anxiety reigned. God’s promises fell flat and could not penetrate the pain. The words I spoke to others to comfort them now mocked me. My faith was shaken. Doubt and uncertainty had won the day. God did not let me go, so I was able to pray, “Lord I believe, help me in my unbelief.” I screamed, cried, wailed and did it again and again. God's comfort began to break through. Jesus defeated death, but it is still an enemy. It is still devastating from our side, and it would not be bearable if God did not have an answer for us. If God created us, and then, left us in the dark with no answers for the most painful thing we face in life, He would be a cruel prankster. If God left us to ourselves to face this, He would be just plain uncaring and awful to be around. Do you ever wonder why Christmas is such a big deal? I think it is because one of the missions of Jesus was to answer this very question. It could not be clearer that...
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