ODJ: love and grief
September 20, 2011
Then Jesus wept (v.35).
READ: John 11:1-44
In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the second to last movie in the epic series, Dobby, a house-elf whom Harry once helped free from his cruel masters, is killed as he comes to the rescue of Harry and his companions. Dobby’s death leaves Harry stunned and speechless. Only his friend Luna is able to put into words the deep loss Harry and the others felt: “Thank you so much, Dobby. . . . It’s so unfair that you had to die, when you were so good and brave.”
Heartbroken, Harry digs Dobby’s grave. Grief consumes his soul to such a degree that it keeps Voldemort (the evil villain figure) from intruding into his thoughts. (In the book version, the author makes it clear that it was Harry’s “love” for Dobby that occupied his heart and mind.)
Those who watched Jesus weep at the tomb of His dear friend Lazarus also witnessed a connection between grief and love. After Jesus arrived at the place where Lazarus was buried, He “wept” (John 11:35). He was deeply grieved even though He knew He would raise His close friend from the dead just a few minutes later (vv.43-44). The people watching Jesus in the throes of grief said to each other, “See how much He loved him!” (v.36).
In the throes of our own loss, grief is an expression of the love we have for another person. To put it another way, only those who first love can ever truly grieve. This is a bittersweet truth that we sometimes forget.
Thankfully, as believers in Jesus, we don’t grieve like people who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). In light of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we do grieve, but with the hope of one day being reunited with those we loved so dearly (v.14). —Jeff Olson
How has God’s love helped you in the loss of someone you loved? What is your future hope, even as you feel the pangs of grief?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODJ: why obey?
June 12, 2011 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do (Joshua 1:8). READ: 1 Kings 16:29-17:1 As I get older and gain seniority at work, the concept of obedience—following [...]
ODJ: just like the king
January 3, 2011 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do (v.1). READ: Ephesians 5:1-21 I hoped our dinner guest wouldn’t notice that I was staring at him. I knew it was impolite, but I was trying to decide if he looked like Elvis Presley. Let me explain. My husband had invited a friend over to eat [...]
ODJ: One Thing
March 3, 2012 You are worried and upset over all these details! (v.41). READ: Luke 10:38-42 My friend Cha-Lisa threw away her to-do list— for good. During the weeks leading up to her decision, she and I had talked about feeling trapped by the never ending inventory of tasks. Cha-Lisa said, “Get one thing done, and [...]
ODJ: renewed hope
February 6, 2010 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! (v.9). READ: John 5:1-11 David Blancarte, a paraplegic, used a wheelchair for 20 years. It’s likely he had lost hope of ever walking again. But that changed recently. Blancarte was bitten by a poisonous brown recluse spider. [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米