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Jesus wept. — John 11:35
We now come to the shortest verse in all the Bible. Without question, it is the easiest to memorize. It contains only two words, three syllables. However, these two words offer incredible insight into the heart of our Lord.
In the small village of Bethany, we find Jesus weeping at the grave of Lazarus (John 11:35). One can’t help but wonder if Jesus is weeping today. Tears have a language all their own. The tears of our Lord speak volumes to us in this dispensation of grace.
With poignant brevity, John simply states, “Jesus wept.” He did not weep because Lazarus was dead. He knew that in a moment He could restore life to him—and those who know the Bible know this is exactly what He did! Jesus wept when He saw Lazarus’s sisters crying.
Tears touch the heart of our God. Mary’s heart was broken. Her brother was dead, and it seemed Jesus had arrived too late. She held no hope. She was hurting. She was weeping with deep sobs and wails. She was pouring out her soul to the Lord. When Jesus saw her, He wept with her. This great God is touched by our own hurts and broken hearts.
Tears speak much louder than words. They need no interpreter. The psalmist says that God keeps our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). If you need God’s attention, try tears.
It is okay to cry.
The last time tears are mentioned in the Bible is in Revelation 21:4. It reveals a beautiful scene in heaven: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” This is our hope. He is preserving all our tears in a bottle, and one day He will wipe them all away. King David said it best: “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
Meditate on the fact that we have a Lord who is not far off and removed. He is very near. He is the One who is touched by our broken hearts and weeps with us.
Excerpted with permission from The Joshua Code by O. S. Hawkins, copyright O. S. Hawkins.
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Your Turn
Yesterday, a gunman in Las Vegas ended the lives of more than 50 people. At least 500 were wounded. Puerto Rico. Mexico. Houston. Florida. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Wildfires. Horrific attacks. Families lost. Homes lost. We grieve. We weep. Maybe we asked, “Where were you, God?” But, He is near. Right here. And He weeps with us.
Thank You, Jesus, that Your heart breaks with ours when disaster strikes. Thank You that You are with us in the storm (Matthew 14:22-32). Lord, our hearts are broken for those affected by the recent tragedies. Thank You for the rescuers and volunteers who have come to the aid to save and rescue lives. pulled so many out alive. May Your Presence be palpable to each hurting person today.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and prayers in the comments.
