The Cleansing
Power of Tears
June 9, 2003
Crying isn't something many men do easily. Yet in
John 11:35 we read that at the grave of Lazarus "Jesus wept."
It's the shortest verse in the bible yet it speaks
volumes. The word for "wept" doesn't refer to a sadness that
produces a glistening in the eyes. Nor does it refer to a gently
cry that pushes a few tears from the tear ducts. The word spoke
of a heaving of the soul that squeezes tears from the eyes like
water from a sponge.
God wrapped in skin wept at the grave of a friend.
Not because of the loss of Lazarus but because he felt
compassion for the sisters and friends of Lazarus who were
grieving his death. Read John 11:33-35 and observe the humanity
of Jesus. Observe the man crying for his friends. Notice the
calloused hands of the carpenter as they wipe the tears from his
cheeks.
Some men don't even cry in private. They take
pride in the fact that they are as dry and hard as a rock. Too
bad. You see, tears are tools that help us heal. Research
indicates that tears are the body's way of washing away toxic
chemicals. Tears clean the body and soul. When we hold them
back, we dam up an emotional stream that needs to flow for the
heart to stay pure.
In the course of your life you've been wounded. As
you review the hurt you've suffered, you may need to cry.
Disappointment may have taken a toll. Go ahead and weep. It's
OK. Grieve over your disappointments and losses. God
understands. As you cry, imagine Jesus wrapping his strong arms
around you. God loves you and desires to heal your hurts.
Remember, even warriors cry. And even warriors
need someone to heal their hurts.
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