Deeply Moved - Day 142 Month 5-22 Week 21-2
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
Deuteronomy 31:23-32:22, Psalm 114, Jeremiah 25:33-26:6, John 11:1-46
Deeply Moved
“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) The shortest verse in the bible shows the emotional humanness of Jesus. The interesting point to Jesus weeping is it wasn’t about Lazarus dying. He knew Lazarus would be brought back to life. In fact Jesus was intentional with delaying His visit to prove a point. He was told that Lazarus was ill and He still waited 2 days before leaving to go to Martha’s home where Lazarus lived. He told the disciples that Lazarus was dead even though He had already said “This sickness is not to end in death.”
Yet, Jesus wept. That is a comforting truth if you think about it. Some people say that Jesus wept because of their unbelief. I don’t buy it. I believe Jesus wept because he was with them in a time of deep sadness and Jesus had so much compassion and love that “He was deeply moved in spirit.” He loved the people and they were in such deep sadness that He joined them. He still knew that Lazarus was about to be raised from the dead.
If you can imagine the scene, Jesus told them to remove the stone that covered the tomb. Martha said “Lord, by this time there will be a stench.” He said “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” They removed the stone! Jesus prayed and included the purpose of the miracle that would be done; “that they may believe that You sent Me.” The next words from Jesus were “Lazarus, come forth” in a loud voice! Lazarus immediately comes out, with all his grave wrappings.
This miracle caused many of the Jews believe in Jesus. Some, though, went to tell the Pharisees! Even though they were witnessing this great miracle, some of them would rather tell the Pharisees than recognize Jesus and believe in Him.
In the last few days of reading and thinking, we have seen how people, even when the truth stands before them, must still choose to accept the truth or deny it. I struggle with that at times. It doesn’t matter how often God comes through for me, I sometimes still question if He will come through the next time. The truth of Jesus has been revealed often to me yet every time there is another crisis, I wonder if God will come through…and then He does, and I’m sad that I doubted Him once again. I often need to be reminded that God is not my butler. I must not be the “name it and claim it” kind of Jesus follower. That’s why God answers prayers to me in different ways. He helps me recognize what is needed and what isn’t. The important point that I need to continually be reminded of is that God has a plan that I’m a part of. His plan is not for me, the plan is for Him and it’s a good plan! He will give me all the tools I need to accomplish my part. I’m ready!
Have a great day!
Steve
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