HOW NEAR TEARS ARE YOU?

 

Saturday, October 15, 2022

 

HOW NEAR TEARS ARE YOU?

 

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

 

          The word “tears” can be found in thirty-five places in our Bible each time there is a story involved. We can read of the tears of Hezekiah who prayed for healing and an extension of life. God answered with fifteen more years. Next is the request of good Queen Esther who besought her husband to “put away the mischief of Haman” which would destroy her people. One woman washed the feet of Jesus with her tears and died them with her long hair. Oh! Tears flowed throughout the Bible.

 

          Doctor David Ludden says that “crying as an expression of emotion appears to be uniquely human behavior. Other animals may tear up because of irritants in their eyes, but only humans shed tears at times of extreme sadness or joy.”

 

          The answer to our question is that we just don’t know how near we ever are to tears. We may be fine and then some sudden pain, or shock, or disappointment turns on our tears. We may try to push them back because we are grown-ups and not whiney babies. We think ourselves “first-responder” tough, but some tears catch us off-guard and suddenly. It is then we are most honest with ourselves and with others.

 

          Tears are often a request for help either from others or from God. We can ask God for things we would never ask of others. Mary was asked by the unrecognized Jesus, “why weepest thou?” Her reply was that they had stolen her Master. Jesus dried her tears with only one word – Mary.

 

          The compassionate Jesus will one day dry our tears and remove their causes. What a day that will be.

 

Rev 7:17

17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

 

Dear Lord, I sometimes surprise myself with unwelcome and embarrassing tears. Thank you for the coming wipe-away day. AMEN