God’s Unequaled Compassion

As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13

My daughter is grieving over the death of a friend who took her own life. Death is hard, but even more so when despair leads to an end no one expected. My daughter and I talk frequently, and “How are you doing?” is a question I repeatedly ask.

On one occasion, she said to me, “I feel like an embroidered doily that has a string hanging. If I pull that string, I don’t know what will come undone.” Grief leaves us fragile, easily unraveled.

The only time scripture records that Jesus wept was at the death of Lazarus. Why did Jesus weep? It wasn’t that He anticipated the loss of the physical presence of His friend, as we experience when our loved one dies. Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He also knew Lazarus believed in Him. Jesus stood before the tomb that day and declared to Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26). Through belief in Jesus, Lazarus lives forever.

Perhaps Jesus wept as He saw the ravages of sin. Adam’s sin introduced death into our world, and death’s sting has been hurting us ever since. Jesus’ tears revealed His compassion for the grieving family and friends.

Perhaps you are grieving over the death of a loved one. The compassionate Lord can comfort you like no other. In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is described as the God of all comfort. True, sustaining comfort comes only from God. He knows you like no other, He knows what you are facing, and He extends His comfort. His compassion moves Him to act on your behalf.

Thank you, Jesus, that by your death and resurrection you defeated death. Nothing can separate us from your love. (Romans 8:35-38) Graciously pour out your comfort upon our hearts.  

Jan Burkhart