Ngayong pandemyang ito, alam nyo bang umabot na sa 26,874 ang total deaths as a result of the COVID 19 PANDEMIC? Kay daming deaths. . left and right. . too many deaths. . too much grieving. . and too much mourning.
Kamakailan lamang ay isang meimbro naming sa church ang pumanaw. . at naalala ko this year we lost at least 3 beloved friends in the church. I am reminded of the shortest verse in the bible. .
Jesus wept John 11:35. . . the shortest yet one of the most potent verses in the Bible. It is also one of the most suggestive! What does it suggest? Well let us backtrack a bit and see the context of this very powerful verse.
The occasion where we find Jesus weeping was when Lazarus, his close friend died. Jesus was vry close friends with the siblings, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. And when the news reached Jesus that lazarus this is what he said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
Jesus, encouraged the sisters and gave them an eternal perspective in Lazarus’ situation.
As the story progresses, after a couple of days, Jesus then decides to go to Lazarus. But one of this disciples, Thomas warns him.
8“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” and 9Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
Jesus took the risk to show his compassion on the sisters. These days, we also need to take risks to show that we care. . .
And finally. . what moved Jesus to weep as verse 35 says?
John 11:33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35Jesus wept.
Jesus was moved with compassion for Mary and Martha. . He empathized with them. . He knew that Lazarus would be resurrected, and Jesus wept more for his friends than for him.
Isn’t it a biblical principle? Paul says for us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." Weeping is indeed a great ministry. . it shows that you are not there to share bible verses, to deliver a sermon. . . or a give a great biblical insight about their grief. . it just shows that you are there!
KA TNT, mayroon ka bang kaibigan na kailangan ng kalinga, pang unawa. . at kasama? Be like Jesus. . as He wept. . Weep with your friend. . that is a very powerful and potent ministry today.
