Ponderings for Lent: Wept

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

03/27/2023

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Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, and repentance sometimes, as we acknowledge our sinfulness and turn to God for forgiveness and healing, brings with it our tears. The word “wept” is an important one during this season as it not only reminds us of the sorrow we feel when we disappoint or hurt God and others, but it allows us to remember that Jesus also felt pain and wept tears. 
The word “wept” appears several times in the Bible, and each time it carries a powerful message. In the Gospel of John, Jesus wept when he heard that his friend Lazarus had died. He wept in response to death, but he also wept in response to the pain that others were experiencing in the death of their brother and friend. This was not a simple shedding of a few tears, but a deep and emotional response to the pain and suffering he saw around him. Jesus wept because he understand the reality of death and the separation it brings; however, at the same time, he knew that his love and power could overcome even the tragedy of death if only people would see him for who he really was.
The image of Jesus weeping is a powerful one for us as we reflect on our own lives. We too face pain in our lives and in the lives of those we love. We weep for the brokenness we see in ourselves and in others. We weep for those who are suffering from poverty, injustice, and violence. We weep for those who are sick and dying, and for those who have lost loved ones. But we know that God hears our prayers and responds to our tears, and we know that there is hope in a Christ who cried as we cry and so understands the pain we feel. The Christ who understands is the One who can bring us healing and wholeness. 
The book of Psalms says, in Ps. 126:5, that “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Tears are not, as some believe, a sign of weakness; tears are a gift from God to remind us that God is at work in our lives and in our world and that we have the promise of new life and new possibilities. 
Lent calls us to repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for what we have done or failed to do; it includes making a commitment to turn away from sin and turn toward God. The turning part of repentance isn’t always easy, but it is necessary if we want to experience the shouts of joy. Lent reminds us of the weeping that took place around the pain of the cross but ends with the shout of the resurrection. If you find yourself weeping today, remember this promise: “Joy comes in the morning!” Thanks be to God.
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Lent is a time of reflection and repentance, and repentance sometimes, as we acknowledge our sinfulness and turn to God for forgiveness and healing, brings with it our tears. The word “wept” is an important one during this season as it not only reminds us of the sorrow we feel when we disappoint or hurt God and others, but it allows us to remember that Jesus also felt pain and wept tears. 
The word “wept” appears several times in the Bible, and each time it carries a powerful message. In the Gospel of John, Jesus wept when he heard that his friend Lazarus had died. He wept in response to death, but he also wept in response to the pain that others were experiencing in the death of their brother and friend. This was not a simple shedding of a few tears, but a deep and emotional response to the pain and suffering he saw around him. Jesus wept because he understand the reality of death and the separation it brings; however, at the same time, he knew that his love and power could overcome even the tragedy of death if only people would see him for who he really was.
The image of Jesus weeping is a powerful one for us as we reflect on our own lives. We too face pain in our lives and in the lives of those we love. We weep for the brokenness we see in ourselves and in others. We weep for those who are suffering from poverty, injustice, and violence. We weep for those who are sick and dying, and for those who have lost loved ones. But we know that God hears our prayers and responds to our tears, and we know that there is hope in a Christ who cried as we cry and so understands the pain we feel. The Christ who understands is the One who can bring us healing and wholeness. 
The book of Psalms says, in Ps. 126:5, that “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” Tears are not, as some believe, a sign of weakness; tears are a gift from God to remind us that God is at work in our lives and in our world and that we have the promise of new life and new possibilities. 
Lent calls us to repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for what we have done or failed to do; it includes making a commitment to turn away from sin and turn toward God. The turning part of repentance isn’t always easy, but it is necessary if we want to experience the shouts of joy. Lent reminds us of the weeping that took place around the pain of the cross but ends with the shout of the resurrection. If you find yourself weeping today, remember this promise: “Joy comes in the morning!” Thanks be to God.
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