March 29, 2020
John 11:32-45 … “Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’” vss. 35-37
The underlying motivation behind the current worldwide shutdown is the fear of death. No matter how much comfort we might find in the certainty of the resurrection, death has never become a friend to us, except in those cases when it brings an end to profound suffering. Even Jesus, knowing what he was going to do, wept and was deeply moved when he saw the pain of the mourners. In our day, we’re willing to endure months of shutdown and self-quarantine, expending trillions of dollars globally because we refuse to allow the advance of the deadly COVID-19 virus. There is probably nothing that brings more sadness into our lives than the death of a loved family member or friend. Tears flow freely and sorrow fills our hearts and, like Jesus, we are deeply moved…and that’s the way it should be! Some believers give the impression that belief in resurrection should completely negate our pain. Such a notion is nonsensical and completely underestimates the deep and profound nature of love. Of course we will cry when death comes near, and Jesus said plainly, “Blessed are those who mourn.” In our tears we give expression to our pain and release the pressure on our broken hearts. One day the weeping will end, but only in its time, and not one minute sooner!
Thought for the Day: When has death hit me the hardest?
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