Since I was a little girl, I’ve always kept in the back of my mind the thought that when it rains, Jesus is shedding tears over our sin. Though my understanding has deepened, the sentiment remains–we have a God who expresses sorrow and compassion for the lost as well as for His hurting children. I’ve often wondered if every raindrop were a tear, would it be enough to cover every sin and devastation?

A simple thought on this insanely busy day, but fitting for the chosen verse, John 11:35. Often referenced by its status as the shortest verse in the Bible, it carries a much deeper impact than some of the longer passages.

Jesus wept. He poured out his deep, heartfelt compassion for his friends and sorrow for their departed brother.

And then, He demonstrated His majesty with an act that elicits more hope than perhaps any other act in Scripture save for his own death and resurrection. He abandons His sorrow and speaks His friend back to life.

The great hope in this moment is that God cares deeply for us. He even knows the number of hairs on our head. Jesus exercising divine intervention for Lazarus, whose death moved him to tears, is noble. To see it happen is evidence of His power.

Death has no victory for those who are in Christ Jesus. (I Cor 15:55) And thankfully He has the compassion to offer the promise–he will intervene for us as well. Not a second chance on this earth the way he gave Lazarus, but rather a permanent home in heaven where we will not have to face illness and death.

For the journaling: (No picture because I’m going to have to go back and do the drawing later)

1. I’m going to draw a closed eye with a tear building at the corner of the lashes in the margins beside John 11:35
2. I’m going to write a link to Psalm 139–a great read for anyone ever doubting that God cares for his people.
3. I’ll caption it: “He cares for me!”