Believe and see the glory
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’ (John 11:40).
Read John 11:28–44
Grief and loss are complicated concepts. You can’t plan or predict how you will react when faced with a significant loss. I have heard grief described as a storm, with symptoms such as a fog of thoughts (a head that is ‘foggy’ and vague, vivid dreams, confusion, hallucinations), winds of behaviour (not being able to concentrate, eat or sleep, feeling agitated), and waves of emotion (feeling overwhelmed, panicked, shocked, relieved, numb, angry …).
It can be hard to respond to someone who is grieving. You may wonder what you can say to give comfort. Just a hint: telling your own story will not ease someone else’s pain. It’s much better to acknowledge that it is difficult to find words. A hug can be a good thing if you know the person well. It’s a good idea to ask first if it’s okay to hug someone. Even holding a hand can be a good thing.
Martha and Mary were grieving for their brother, who had died four days previously. Their grief would still have been raw. They had let Jesus know Lazarus was dying, and it must have seemed to them that Jesus had ignored them.
When Jesus turns up, is Mary telling him off for not arriving before Lazarus died – acknowledging that Jesus could have healed him? Jesus was deeply moved by the outpouring of grief from Mary and her companions.
And then he wept.
Why did Jesus weep? Is it because his friend has died? Is it because people have so little faith? Is he just tired? There are so many unanswered questions in this story.
Whatever the cause, it is written twice that Jesus was deeply moved. He was, after all, fully human and fully divine. We see Jesus’ humanity in his compassion for Mary and Martha and his emotional response to Lazarus’ death. What a precious insight into this aspect of Jesus.
Jesus’ divinity shines through when he calls Lazarus by name, and Lazarus emerges from the tomb. Maybe Lazarus’ name is no accident. It means ‘God will help’. God responded to Jesus’ call and helped in the best way possible for Mary and Martha and, of course, Lazarus at that time.
The glory of God was made clear through Jesus’ words. If we believe in God’s promises and continue to trust, God’s glory will be revealed to you and me also.
Faithful God, thank you for the gift of emotions and feelings. Thank you for sharing our humanity and experiencing grief and joy during your time on earth. Thank you for the comfort of family and friends who journey with us. Thank you for the promise that God will help. Amen.
Colleen Fitzpatrick is a mother of two, grandmother of three and godmother of four. She is allegedly retired and lives in Adelaide. Colleen trained as a social worker, and after working in the foster care program at Lutheran Community Care in South Australia, she became the director and served in that role for 13 years. Colleen serves on a number of boards and committees within the LCA and the wider community.
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