Daily Reading: John 11
Scripture Focus: Jesus wept. (John 11.35)
Devotional Thought: Perhaps, you have had that wise-cracking person in your life who thinks they are clever to claim that they have memorized a Bible verse, and then promptly recited: “Jesus wept.” While we may roll our eyes, this verse is profound.
When Jesus heard that Lazarus was ill, it was not a surprise. It was an opportunity "for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v. 4). After hearing about it, Jesus purposely chose to stay away from Lazarus for two extra days. Jesus had a plan. He knew Lazarus would die and had a plan for that as well. So why, when he was on his way to the grave, was he so greatly troubled in his spirit? Why was he so deeply moved? Why did he weep?
The text is not specific, but we know the compassion and love of God is unending and unconditional. Seeing his friends grieve over the death of another of his friends, even knowing the celebration that was soon to come over his resurrection, caused him emotional pain. It is a reminder to us that death is indeed our enemy. God created us to live forever, until sin entered the world. Seeing the groaning of his creation when sin was introduced, God in his mercy limited the number of our days on this broken earth.
God grieves with us when we grieve. But praise God! We do not grieve as those who have no hope! Jesus has power over sin and death, defeating them at the cross and empty grave.
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, we have all been touched by death – we know that you grieve with us when one of our friends or family members passes out of this life. Thank you for your promises… you will not leave us in this state, but will resurrect all of the dead in Christ to eternal life! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 35.22-28
22 You have seen, O Lord; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me! 23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord! 24 Vindicate me, O Lord, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me! 25 Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, our heart's desire!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!
27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” 28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.
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