THAT WE MAY BE ABLE

THAT WE MAY BE ABLE!

2 Cor 1:3-4

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

John 11:32-35

32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35 Jesus wept.

           God allows pain into our lives that we might be able to minister to others in their trouble – any trouble. The more pain we bear the better qualified we are to assist those who suffer. We can relate to their pain by remembering our own. We can soothe their hurts because we can remember that God soothed ours. We can encourage because we have experience in overcoming.

           Coming to the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus encounters deep grief. He even suffers Mary’s accusing comment: “if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” It was the same as saying that Jesus killed Lazarus by delaying His arrival. Those whose calling is to provide comfort have felt this stinging accusation from time to time. We were too late or too inept to keep the pain from happening. Now all we can do is apply ointment.

           But wounded people are not aware of how deeply the comforters feel their grief. Jesus wept! He shed tears because He assumed the feelings of those to whom He ministered. Like a sponge soaking up a spill, Jesus absorbed their tears and they spilled out His own eyes. I would guess He is still doing that today.

Heb 4:15-16

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Dear God of all comfort, soothe the pain of those who suffer today. AMEN