Jesus Wept

With over 46,000 people losing their lives with COVID 19, so far in the UK, there have been many tears, heartache and misery in the last months. These have been compounded with loved ones unable to say formal goodbyes and funerals being conducted with limited numbers.

During a biblical funeral ceremony of a man called Lazarus, who had just recently taken ill and then died, we see the Lord Jesus in the gathering. The Word of God records in John chapter 11 and verse 35 that “Jesus Wept”. The shortest verse in the Bible.

In this world of ours there have been many a tear shed at the passing of loved ones and, on this occasion, it was no different. In verse 31 Lazarus’ sister went “unto the grave to weep there.”

Some in the crowd looked on and, as they saw the Lord Jesus weeping, they said “Behold how he loved him!” (v36).

As the Lord Jesus looked on the scene, he witnessed the effects of sin. The Bible states in the book of Romans that “the wages of sin, is death” (Romans 6 v 23) and that “all have sinned” (Romans 3 v 23). However, we can rejoice that as the Lord Jesus Christ looks on our sinful lives we are loved too.

In the book of Romans we are reminded that “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5 v 8)

The Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life and he was taken by wicked men and crucified upon a cross.  The Bible records “that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15 v 3 and 4)

What a joy it is that through the love showed by the Lord Jesus Christ so many years ago you can have hope for the future TODAY and you can have your sins forgiven by trusting in Him.

You can then know with assurance that whatever the future holds your eternal destination is secured in heaven.

The psalmist wrote “Weeping may endure for a time but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30 v 5) and it assures us that there will be a time of joy even during our current trials.

May the joy of God’s Salvation enlighten your soul today and may you ask “What must I do to be saved?”(Acts 16 v 30) and that the clear answer given from the Bible is “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16 v 31)

Paul Cartwright