The Common Emotion

Grief is not always a rational emotion.  Sometimes it comes long after the precipitating event.  Sometimes it comes disguised in other emotions and has to be sorta out like dirty clothes in a laundry basket.  It may not be what it seems at first glance, but after sitting with it awhile, it becomes as recognizable as an old friend.  The men and women who walked the pages of Scripture were well acquainted with grief.  They lost husbands, wives, and children just as have those who have come after them.  And, as we read the gospels, we see pictures of Jesus in situations heavy with loss and grief.    

The 11th chapter of John is one of those stories filled with the deep loss and mourning of a family.  We often speak of it as the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead, but before that glory filled moment, grief soaked the ground with deep flowing tears.  The grief of the sisters for their brother was so heavy that Jesus wept even though He knew what was about to happen in the tomb of Lazarus.    The Word not only speaks of Jesus weeping, but also says He "was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved."  (John 11:33)   

As one who lived among us, He knew the pain of the loss experienced by all who continue to live after loved ones have died.  Grief is an emotion common to us all.  Once experienced it may disappear for a season, but it should never be a surprise that something so strongly felt resurfaces.  Our Creator made us  to love and the grief with which we live and manage surely speaks of the love we have for those we love.