This morning I am reminded of another stop that looked like the final outcome was death. Your dear friends, Mary and Martha, sent word for You to come quickly because their beloved brother was seriously ill. You did not go right away…a very pain filled stop.

When You did arrive, their brother had already died. “If You had been here, Lord, this tragedy would not have happened!” they cried.  I can imagine their tortured thoughts; “We thought You loved us, loved him”, “Why in our greatest time of need, You didn’t show up?”, “You could have prevented this devastation for us”, “Are You really Who we thought You were–loving, good, caring, powerful…?”.

You wept.

You knew in moments You would call Lazarus back to LIFE! But You wept. Why? Was it for their deep sorrow? for their lack of understanding? for their confusion and doubt? Were You looking into all the times, Your people for all generations, would not understand Your Ways, the Goodness and Purpose of Your Heart and be broken with doubt, anguish and torment? Were You overcome by the reality that in Your Perfect, Sacrificial Love, Your children would still miss Your Heart in the times to come?

Someday we will know for sure the reason. Until then, Jesus, please empower us to truly grip and rest in the Truth and Authenticity of Your Perfect and Pure Love!