Jesus, You amaze me.

I’ve been pondering something.  It’s hard for my brain to even begin to comprehend how, when you were here on earth, you knew the future, and yet you were present with people.

You were God and man at the same time, knowing all, and yet living in the now.

How did you sort through the thoughts and emotions of Your present circumstances when You knew the future?

When you looked in a person’s eyes and You knew how and when and where they would die, how did your heart take that?

Did that make it hard for You?  Does it make it hard for you?

You’re perspective is perfect.  And yet, Scripture shows us that when you heard about John the Baptist’s beheading you “withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place…” (Matthew 14:13)

When you arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, you wept.  (John 11)

I know your heart is gentle and kind, so it is no wonder that You hurt too.

“…for I am gentle and humble of heart…”  (Matthew 11:29)

I can’t help but think that Your heart breaks for those who mourn.  You see what death does to those who are still here and missing loved ones.

I imagine you looking at Your friends Mary and Martha, so fresh with grief over their brother’s death.  You knew Lazarus was going to die.  You knew You would raise him back to life.  I think maybe You wept at the sight of the mourners of Lazarus.  I think your heart was heavy for those who wept over John the Baptist’s death.

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”  (John 11:33)

You were troubled, Lord.

You were present, even though You are omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient…

You are present with us.  You Spirit is grieved when we grieve.  You are troubled to see us weeping.  You know the beauty that will come from the ashes, and yet, right now, You are present.

Thank you, Jesus.  You came to “comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve…”  (Isaiah 61:10)

– Susie Stewart

~Dedicated to my Uncle Sam & Aunt Lyla Knutson, whom God took to Heaven on September 1, 2013, only 10 hours apart.  Thank you God for that gift of Your timing, and thank you that You know and care how much we will miss them until we see them again.