Dear brothers and sisters in the faith,
Are you a passionate person? Are you in touch with your emotions? When I think of a passionate person, I think of Jim Valvano, called "Jimmy V." His passionate speech at the 1993 ESPY awards is legendary. His body ravaged by cancer, given only months to live by doctors, Jimmy V appeared with an incredible address urging everyone to do this: "You should laugh every day. You should think every day. You should have your emotions move to tears every day." If you have never before heard it, you can check out his speech on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePXlkqkFH6s
Do you buy into what Jimmy V was espousing? Is it O.K. to show emotion? Do real men cry? I was watching an in-depth documentary on the Kennedy family recently. A close family friend was recounting when he personally was with JFK when the confirmation came that JFK's sister was killed in an airplane crash. The family friend remarked, "It was said that the Kennedys never cried—that no one saw the Kennedys cry. But that night, I saw his eyes fill with tears. I saw him cry."
I saw him cry. Martha could have said that. Mary, too. The incredible account of the post-funeral mourning at the grave of Lazarus, whom Jesus loved. Jesus put off getting there in time, actually. He remarked at the word the sisters sent when their brother, Lazarus was ill: "This sickness will not end in death." That turned out to be a word puzzle, didn't it! Even though he died, yet Lazarus lived. He followed up the discussion with "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." The disciples though that getting some rest might be good for Lazarus' sickly condition. But Jesus spelled it out for them: Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." What a powerful message on the vital importance of faith!
Stricken with sadness and loss, the sisters hung on to the sure hope of the resurrection. When Jesus assured Martha that her brother would rise again, she responded in faith, that he would rise in the resurrection on the last day. To which Jesus gave her and us unrivaled comfort: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
That last question is pointed at each of us as well. Jesus has endured the punishment for your sin, once for all. Jesus has lived a perfect life of faith in your place. Jesus not only saw the outside of the tomb, as he stood to call Lazarus out; but he saw the inside of the tomb—he himself was buried. Using his almighty power, Jesus called Lazarus from death. Using his same almighty power, he rose from death, assuring every believing soul life without end.
Jesus wept. At the tomb of his friend, each witness could have said, "I saw him cry." The terms used in these verses describe being moved with the deepest emotions. Twice, Jesus was shaken—troubled—disturbed. The verb used in this section suggests that Jesus "burst into tears." Jesus was deeply touched by the loss of a close friend.
Perhaps you can remember the last time you were moved in such a way. You may be an emotional person, you may not be. Take these emotional moments of the Savior to hear, dear sister—dear brother in the faith. Jesus cares deeply about us. We know so well of his sacrifice which proves it on the highest level. But treasure the loving heart of the Savior who has personally endured emotional upheaval and loss because he cared. He cares. And he always will.
Prayer idea: Thank God for your emotions. Ask God for strength to make use of the gifts of emotions and passion in the most God-pleasing way. Praise God for his care for you—body and soul.
Have a blessed week!
--Pastor Dan
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