Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 3:32-33

Today's Favorite Verse: Lamentations 3:32-33

"But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men".

This made me think of the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. It was part of our family scriptures this week in Come, Follow Me.

"When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him."

(John 11:6, 14-15)

Jesus tarried until he knew Lazarus was dead. He knew the grief that Martha and Mary would experience from this. Jesus himself wept. How hard it must have been for him to stay his hand and not immediately go and heal Lazarus. Yet, he knew that there was a greater lesson here for all. Mary and Martha would have their testimonies of the divinity of Jesus Christ strengthened. Jesus apostles would have a deeper understanding of what was to come. They would know in coming weeks that Jesus would rise again from the dead. Sometimes we have to face grief, so we can learn greater things when Jesus shows mercy upon us. Why do bad things happen to good people? For the intent that we may believe. It is through Christ that all our wounds are healed.

Day 2959