Jump Start # 3960
John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”
Two simple words in our English Bibles. Likely the first verse we all memorized. But how fitting to talk about this now. The holidays are fun times with decorations, family, presents, special movies and events. For many families the holidays are tough. A chair is empty this season. Things are not the same. Grief is felt in different ways and comes to us in many unpleasant flavors. Death brings grief. Having a parent dealing with advanced Alzheimer is another pain and grief. Divorce brings grief. Being away from loved ones because of work, distance, or family issues is yet another grief and pain. Having a prodigal in the family is hard.
There are several specifics that led up to our verse today.
First, Jesus purposely delayed coming. He could have been there. He could have prevented death. He knew what He was doing. He didn’t send word ahead with his plans.
Second, He allowed Lazarus to die. Whatever illness Lazarus had, the Lord allowed it to conquer His friends life.
Third, Jesus allowed Mary and Martha to grieve. He could have told them all this plans. He didn’t. Decades ago when I was a student at Purdue University, there was a house on the main street that had a Christmas tree in the picture window year round. People who didn’t know, joked about it. I learned the story. A son went off to Vietnam. His mom promised to keep the tree up until he returned. He was killed in the war. The mother was not going to break her promised. Years later, I was preaching in the area and went by that house. The Christmas tree was still standing in the window. Grief is hard.
There are all kinds of myths about grief. And, they are just that, myths.
· Some say that a person must go through all seven stages of grief until they are back to normal.
· The goal is to get through grief as quickly as you can
· The lack of tears means a person is fine
· Family members are the best support during grief
· Grieving is basically the same for all of us
· Christians should never grieve the death of another Christian
All of those things are bunk. Don’t believe them. Jesus cried. If the Lord cried, we can cry.
Fourth, Jesus came. How powerful that is. Cards are nice. Phone calls help. But nothing beats your presence.
Fifth, Jesus cared. We know that because He cried. He showed that His heart loved. He showed that His heart was touched.
Sixth, Jesus comforted. He comforted by explaining things. He reminded them of their faith. He openly wept before them.
Remember, for some folks the holidays hurt. Here are some reminders for those who hurt:
First, it’s hard, but you’ll make it through. When my mom was dying of cancer during the holiday season someone gave me a cartoon. It was a family walking out of a hospital and the caption read, “Look, the birds are still singing and the sun has come up again.” I kept that for years inside my Bible. Not only does life go on, but the joys and happiness returns. In time the pain lessons, and the memories run deeper and deeper.
Second, don’t withdraw. Certainly no one fully understands what you are gong through and others might say things that they hope helps, but it really doesn’t. Still don’t isolate yourself. God told the scared Elijah to get out of the cave and do something. Being alone only deepens the pain.
Third, your faith is the anchor that will get you through. The most turbulent times can toss us here and there emotionally. It’s that anchor that holds us. It’s that anchor that keeps us close to the Lord. Worship with God’s people. Pray deeply. You’ll smile again. You’ll laugh again. You’ll enjoy life again. New chapters. Different chapters. Life is like that.
Holidays can be tough on some of us. Remember that. Be patient.
Does Jesus care? Oh, yes He cares, I know He cares.
Roger