“‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’”
John 11:21
Perhaps there is no greater wound that we experience than that which comes with death. Even learning of a stranger’s death can send a chill down our spine. But what about when it strikes close to home for us? It is not only the sad finality of death afflicting us, but the knowledge that someone we loved—a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a child, a friend— will never be with us again in this lifetime.
Even though I walk through the valley with those in the Army who experience this suffering, I must confess that this particular anguish has almost undone me on numerous occasions. Most other forms of sorrow can be dressed up in this world, but not death. There is no silver lining in this life.
That is why I think the story of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus is one of the most profound passages to comfort us in our grief. He doesn’t walk by the tomb indifferently. He doesn’t open it with a word and shrug. By encountering such suffering personally, Jesus lets us know that it is safe for us to do so as well. We are allowed to weep like Jesus … and we can hope because of Jesus.
Even though I walk through the valley with those in the Army who experience this suffering, I must confess that this particular anguish has almost undone me on numerous occasions. Most other forms of sorrow can be dressed up in this world, but not death. There is no silver lining in this life.
That is why I think the story of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus is one of the most profound passages to comfort us in our grief. He doesn’t walk by the tomb indifferently. He doesn’t open it with a word and shrug. By encountering such suffering personally, Jesus lets us know that it is safe for us to do so as well. We are allowed to weep like Jesus … and we can hope because of Jesus.
Scripture Focus
John 11
Insight
When He said “arise,” He let us know that even the wound of loss can find healing.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Chronicles 31-32
- Psalm 23
- Mark 2