Hope Hope Hope

John 11:35 –

‘Jesus Wept’

This is the shortest verse in the Bible yet speaks a thousand words.  It tells us there is a time for everything: a time to laugh; a time to cry; and most importantly it shows the love that Jesus has for us. It tells us he is right there in the midst of all we go through. 

The story of Lazarus is beautiful and speaks of so much love and hope: of Jesus’ love for his friends. Lazarus is dying and his sisters call for Jesus. However, Jesus doesn't come right away. He stays where he is for a further two days. Sound familiar? How many times have you called on him but it seems he is far away - or worse, not coming at all? The beauty and kindness of God is his timing is not ours because his is perfect.

At last Jesus arrives, but Lazarus is dead and buried. People are at the house mourning with the sisters. Then Martha hears he has arrived. She goes to meet him telling him if he had been here sooner her brother would not have died. There have been many times I have thought ‘Had Jesus only intervened, things wouldn’t be this bad.’

(Oh, and let’s not forget Jesus goes to his friends even though his life is in danger. I just love that. Soon he will willingly put himself in much greater danger for us.)

But now the sisters take Jesus to the grave side. Mary is crying and he is so moved by their pain that he also begins to groan and cry - even knowing that in the next moment he will raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus cries when you cry. He hurts when you hurt. But nothing will stop him from turning what seems dead, to life. He will come when you call.

Prayer – Thank you, Lord that with you there is always hope and most importantly life. Teach me patience and trust.