By Judy Lentz

Two Powerful Words

John 11:35   Jesus wept.

My sons will tell you that I cry easily, way too easily in their minds.  I cry at weddings even when I don’t know the couple that well.  I cry at every birth I have witnessed.  I cry with every proud moment in the lives of my children and grandchildren.    I cry at special events, at funerals, with certain song lyrics, when the National Anthem is played, when I am upset by the needless suffering of others.  I sob when I think or see Jesus on the cross.  Does God cry at all these times too?

This scripture (John 11:35) is the shortest verse in the Bible but in my opinion is one of the most powerful.  What thoughts do you have when you read or hear these words?  Here are some of my thoughts.

How powerful is it when our Lord cries for his people? 

Does He cry for all the reasons I do?

Who consols God when he cries?

Who wipes away His tears?

Does He cry when he is upset?

If He can do all things, why doesn’t He change the situation causing His tears?

When we see suffering or experience it in our own lives, know that God is crying for us and with us.  For you see, He is our parent and His tears come just as the tears come for us.  The power is in His ability to bring us peace and comfort even in our suffering.  We may not be able to change what is happening and maybe His plan for us does not include a change in what is happening but he is here to comfort and consol.  Loving Him and trusting in Him is what He asks of us.  He is always there for us.

Prayer

Our dear Lord, we ask for your loving arms to comfort us in times of suffering.  Just knowing you care gives us the peace needed to overcome.  Thank you for the love you have for us.  In the name of Jesus “ Amen.