Best quote ever "knowing something is eventually going to be okay, doesn't cancel out the fact that it isn't okay today"!! That really spoke to my heart today! Thank you, Beau! Can't wait to hear you preach on Sunday! I'll bring the kleenex!!
Beautiful post. I like how you highlighted that Jesus was holding space for the rough emotions that were present prior to Lazarus's resurrection. I think anyone who tries to comfort someone by saying not to cry and the deceased person is in heaven is forgetting this story. If Jesus can cry over someone dying, so can we.
Also you and your wife are absolutely adorable! Reminds me I need to schedule a date with my hubs. Please pray for him as he's been struggling with insomnia.
Knowing the ending did not make Jesus hurry past the sorrow in front of Him. That matters so much. Hope and grief are not opposites, and trusting that God is still working does not require us to pretend the present moment does not hurt. Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can offer is simply our presence and our willingness to weep beside someone.
If you are looking for more Christian devotional material, or perhaps football (soccer) articles with faith tie-ins, please check out my new publication: https://substack.com/@joelpersell
I think it’s the preceding sentence, “Come and see,” that frames “Jesus wept.” Come and see, come and see, come and see, basically *is* John’s narrative of the calling of the disciples - and here it’s being turned around not to introduce someone to the Author of Life, but to showcase death. Is Jesus just..sad about Lazarus? Or sad that other people are sad? I don’t get that sense in the rest of the story. I think there’s more here than just base emotions.
Best quote ever "knowing something is eventually going to be okay, doesn't cancel out the fact that it isn't okay today"!! That really spoke to my heart today! Thank you, Beau! Can't wait to hear you preach on Sunday! I'll bring the kleenex!!
Excellent post. Made me think. Thanks!
Thanks, Beau. I needed the reminder.
So so good, thank you and yes it helps me.So pleased you two had some together time
Beautiful post. I like how you highlighted that Jesus was holding space for the rough emotions that were present prior to Lazarus's resurrection. I think anyone who tries to comfort someone by saying not to cry and the deceased person is in heaven is forgetting this story. If Jesus can cry over someone dying, so can we.
Also you and your wife are absolutely adorable! Reminds me I need to schedule a date with my hubs. Please pray for him as he's been struggling with insomnia.
I believe they are imprinted on your heart and you carry them forever. Ask about them; share stories and memories. Can’t wait to hear your sermon!
Knowing the ending did not make Jesus hurry past the sorrow in front of Him. That matters so much. Hope and grief are not opposites, and trusting that God is still working does not require us to pretend the present moment does not hurt. Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can offer is simply our presence and our willingness to weep beside someone.
If you are looking for more Christian devotional material, or perhaps football (soccer) articles with faith tie-ins, please check out my new publication: https://substack.com/@joelpersell
I think it’s the preceding sentence, “Come and see,” that frames “Jesus wept.” Come and see, come and see, come and see, basically *is* John’s narrative of the calling of the disciples - and here it’s being turned around not to introduce someone to the Author of Life, but to showcase death. Is Jesus just..sad about Lazarus? Or sad that other people are sad? I don’t get that sense in the rest of the story. I think there’s more here than just base emotions.
The "Adult Discipleship Director" position sounds truly amazing. Congrats!