Jesus Wept Mk II
From the Desk of Jeff King comes a thoughtful follow-up to my own reflection on John Chapter 11 in light of the tragedy unfolding around the Indian Ocean, Jesus Wept, a beautifully written post of the same title. Jeff King concludes his study with these poignant words:
Thousands, if not millions, of people worldwide are crushed and agonizing over the deadly tsunamis. Many are like the Jews at Lazarus' funeral, wondering aloud why God didn't intervene to prevent suffering and death. We may never get that answer on this side of eternity. But I believe Jesus is weeping with us. He shares our grief over the staggering death toll. And His anguish is multiplied by the fact that most of humanity fails to recognize and receive Him as the resurrection and the life. They fail to see that Christ defeated death, our last enemy.Indeed.
"Lord, as we continue to deal with the devastation, death, and destitution, we ask for your forgiveness. Forgive us for our arrogance, for assuming that we have the power within us to conquer the forces of nature and the forces of irrationality that is this world. May we acknowledge not just your love, but also your compassion and your strength, power and mercy to enable all of us not just to rebuild and recover from the destruction, but also to renew and heal from the brokenness and the pain. Thank you for doing your work right now through your creatures and we ask for continued mercy that we can all catch a glimpse of your insurmountable love and grace. Amen."