As we end this week, we as a church have been hit with news of someone who I never met but were praying for has sadly today died from COVID-19. We have a lady who also has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour. I am sure there are other events in human history that have impacted us greatly.
For some, we will forever remember the circumstances of where we were when we heard the news of 9/11, or the declaration of war. For some, it may be a loved one who died, a tragic accident or even a painful divorce. So many of us, have at times, had to endure painful circumstances and been unable to help which makes it even worse.
I want to assure you today that God cares. How can I say that? Well, the answer lies in two words quoted in John 11:35 Jesus wept which tells us of three ways God cares about what we suffer.
Firstly, God understands
Jesus was on his way to a friend’s house. When He got there He was told the news of death. When Jesus wept he was answering those questions, Jesus is saying to us “I understand. I know what grief is all about”. Lazarus was believed to be one of Jesus closest friends, in fact, the Bible says he was the one that Jesus loved. He knew this was not the way God intended for the human race. Sin had condemned us, not God. Sin had brought death, not God. We broke the rules. God had to act yet he understood so much that He promised us a way out in Genesis. If God does not care or understand why would He be so willing to forgive us?
Secondly, God cares about our pain
He does care about our pain. The effect of His best friend’s death found Jesus weeping. The effect of Jarius daughter and the widow of Nain’s son all broke Jesus’ heart. So much so that He brought rejoicing to the situations, yet He himself was to be subjected to such pain, even rejection from His own father. The end result though was rejoicing as Jesus Himself experienced resurrection.
Thirdly, God assures us we will see our loved ones again
Mary and Martha wept. Jesus gave them hope. Jesus said “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never really die. Martha, do you believe this?”
In 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 Paul repeats that hope too.
Finally, Jesus says I know this is not the way it was meant to be. I know that death is awful. I know that separation from those you love is horrible, especially when their time is cut short due to the irresponsibility of other free-will human beings
The truth though is that
- Science says, “He may live again.”
- Philosophy says, “He hopes to live again.”
- Ethics says, “He ought to live again.”
- Atheism says, “He will never live again.”
- Jesus says, “He shall live again.”
Turn to the ultimate professional. He cares, He loves you and hears you.
Stay safe and Blessed