Jesus Wept

 

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

Author André Resner in his book Living In- Between- Lament, Justice, and the Persistent of the Gospel says that the shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35. Its very challenging for us to resonate with this scripture because not many will truly see the depth of it. Nevertheless, this scripture will speak to those who have  gone through the pain of losing a loved one or having suffered in life unfairly.

Recently, I have come across many friends in the Lord who struggle with the agony and pain of losing someone. The question "why Lord why?" seem as if it is not crossing the roof above our heads or as if evaporating into thin air ...not strong enough to reach His ears? 

There may not be any answers for the pain or agony of the soul. It may leave us wondering whether the Lord even cares. But I was reminded of this scripture. In my imagination, I was able to see the Lord weeping along with His children who are asking Him these questions. He expresses the same deep agony of the soul with weeping and sobbing. Many children of God have gone through this phase and have struggled for years in their hearts asking questions to God, ...even wondering if they had done something wrong to deserve their loss. 

Perhaps, we as God's children may not get the answers we are seeking. But Jesus knows, He is aware and He cannot empathize in a more realistic way than this... (Jesus wept).

Abide in Me

John 15:4 (NASB) 

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Most of us when we read the above verse, we tend to think in terms of doing Christian work. Even I used to think the same. But I don't think this only refers to outward Christian work alone. It is more in terms of our being and living. If we do not abide in the Lord, we cannot be like Him, think like Him, or behave like Him. We cannot possess an attitude like Jesus, nor our words savored like Him. 

Many of us give the excuse when we face challenging situations saying 'but we are not Jesus'. Yes, we are not Jesus, but we are called to give up on our old self and take up the cross and follow Him. Which is...We cannot choose to be or live in our old ways and still believe, convince ourselves or profess to be His followers.

That's why Jesus said, "Abide in Me, and I in you...for without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:4,5 KJV). 

Yes, without Jesus abiding in us every day, we can seldom presume, that we can think, act and behave like Jesus. I like the way when Christian nurses who attend patients say, "We have to be the eyes and hands and feet of Jesus".

How nice it will be if we can make this our only mission, rather than trying to convince others of Jesus. 

All Things? I want to dare say 'Yes'...

 

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
When I read this scripture this morning, I was running it in my mind over and over again. I was wanting to say, "Lord! for how long...". I didn't know how to respond to this scripture or even believe it. But I felt helpless as if I had no other option but to take it... 
I have read this scripture several times in my life. Many times it has spoken to my situation and many a time, I have honestly felt disheartened reading it as I felt that my trials are never-ending for me. Like a plaintiff who argues his case in the court of law, I have many a time presented my case to God asking for justice and fairness. Though I wouldn't have received immediate answers from Him, I would be reminded of one specific scripture which stands as the foundation of my faith....
Psalm 89:14 (NASB)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You.
 Faith is not based on feelings or even on a situation. Faith is based on the unwavering Word of God. Sometimes, our situations and feelings may corner us to the extent that we want to give up and quit believing Him. But no we can't, for we realize that He is the one who is holding us and we not holding onto Him.
Irrespective of the fact that my case remains pending in His court, I just dare to believe that all things work for my good...not because that I am good, but the One who called me is good and faithful. Amen.