In times of deep loss I have found it comforting to remember that Jesus also experienced the loss of one of his good friends. ""When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept."
Jesus was not immune to the pain and sadness of this life - He experienced loss, betrayal, and death just like everyone else who has taken a breath on this planet. And I love the fact that Jesus didn't sweep away the emotional responses of Martha and Mary but instead He simply grieved with them. Jesus knew where his good friend Lazarus was - and He knew that Lazarus was more alive at that moment than he had ever been here on earth. But Jesus also knew that this was going to be a powerful touchstone for a lot of people, throughout history, to see the power of God, even over death. So despite the pain, the anger, and the sadness, He knew that this was bigger than anyone could imagine - that there were spiritual ramifications that would ripple for thousands of years and yet . . . He didn't try to explain away the grief and sadness that came with Lazarus death, instead, Jesus wept.
There is nothing that we will ever experience that Jesus Christ has not already felt many times over. He has been wounded for our transgressions, He has taken the entire wrath and punishment of God for our transgressions. But, He is not just our Savior, He is our friend, walking with us and sharing in our experiences, good and bad, that we all encounter. Because He loves us.
Jesus knew the pain of losing a good friend. It hurts. Bad. And He hates the fact that we are experiencing pain as we navigate our lives - but until the divine transformation He continues to comfort and heal as only He can - until the day that He will see us face-to-face, and wipe away our tears with the same hands that were scarred forever to gain our freedom. He knows. He cares. And anything else is a lie from the pit.
Guard your reality - and treasure your promises. Let nothing come between you and the knowledge of the loving character of God. For that is where the enemy first seeks to divide, knowing that once that stronghold fails, it is a short walk to unbelief.
Yes, there will come a day when the power of death will be broken, when sin will no longer reign in our world, when the sting of pain will be a distant memory. He knew all of this.
And still, He wept.
{No words}
Here are a few other verses that have brought me comfort throughout the years. I pray they will comfort you as well.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. (Psalm 48:14)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you." (John 16:22)
God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:1-2)
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
Selah.
