The Heart of Christ

Luke 11:35 is an amazing verse. “Jesus wept,” is a simple, yet profound picture of the heart of Christ.  Many of us grew up learning this, the shortest verse in the Bible.  Jesus is at the tomb of Lazarus, a friend, who had recently died.  Lazarus’s sisters, Mary and Martha, were there also, along with other friends of the family.

The grief was palpable.  Jesus had been confronted by Martha when she said her brother would not have died if Jesus had only come sooner.  Looking at an earlier part of this passage, it almost seems that Jesus deliberately waited.

As they gathered at the tomb, Jesus ordered the stone removed. It has been said he gazed into the blackness of death, and felt anger; anger that death was responsible for this  tragedy.  When he saw the level of grief...Jesus himself wept.  Even though he knew what he was going to do, and knew Lazarus would be raised from the dead...Jesus still shared in everyone’s grief by expressing his own sorrow.

This biblical scene came to mind following a tragic loss in my family.  My 19 year old great niece died early in February, the victim of a horrible traffic accident.  How do you support a dad, mom, and younger brother, who have suffered a major loss?  Are there any words to offer that might ease their sorrow? Is there any deed to be done that can help in this terrible time of need?

The answer is, probably not.  Well-meaning people might utter some truism with the thought in mind of helping or providing an answer.  Some may even try to answer that question that echos throughout eternity, “Why?”  There is no clear answer.  There is no slogan.  There is no event-changing deed.

The love and support of family and loved ones will help get through the initial days.  A memorial service will provide a sense of closure.  After these helpful services, the dark days of life without that loved one will set in.  Questions remain.  Grief is still there.  Confusion, anger, and tears will stubbornly not leave right away.

Where is God in all of this?  As to why God does not prevent things like this, or why he allows other kinds of tragedy, there simply is not a good answer, and never will be this side of eternity...other than God himself.  The bigger picture is not in view yet.

We must remember, in our confusion, grief, and hopeless sense of loss that God is a God of compassion, and hears and understands the cries of our heart.  After all, God allowed the gruesome death of his own Son, sending him to die on the cross for our sins; die on our behalf, taking our place.

We must remember that we are loved by Him, and He calls the rest of us to love and pray for those who are suffering.  No clever turn of phrase, no spectacular deed, or overdone effort will bring this sense of relief or ease the pain.  Simply loving them, praying for them and doing what we can to help, is our best answer for now.  Those suffering loss must be given time to be ready to trust again, to follow Peter’s pastoral advice, “Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). 

The vulnerability of those suffering loss is very real.  A gentle encouragement, an expression of love will hopefully sustain.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you.  Do not be afraid for I am your God.  I will strengthen you.  I will help you.  I will uphold you with my righteous, right hand.”  Hanging on to this verse for dear life may provide a needed lifeline.

Thanks be to God.