Hi Ladies,
Many of you will be gathering with family or friends tomorrow as we celebrate Christ's resurrection. It's a time of togetherness, joy and life.
But some of you - whether you gather with others or not - are acutely lonely. This holiday, like others, accentuates pain and loss. Perhaps even betrayal. My goal in this is not to draw unwanted attention to these feelings, but rather to show you Someone who shares and understands your pain, far more than you realize. (The Spirit directed me to write on this before I knew what we would hear last night. Praise Him!)
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem that Palm Sunday, he certainly wasn't alone:
Crowds flock. (Mt. 21:6-11)
When He enters the temple, He is surrounded by "crowds," "the blind and lame," "chief priests and elders." (Mt. 21:12-16)
Then come the Pharisees' disciples. (Mt. 22:16)
Then the Sadducees. (Mt. 22:23)
Not to mention the constant crowds. And of course, His disciples. (Mt. 23:1)
Jesus is rarely "alone." And yet, hear His own words:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Mt 23:37)
"You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'" (Mt. 26:31)
"Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone." (John 16:32)
And not only do crowds and friends flee, but Jesus, as He hangs on the cross, bearing the weight of their sin - and yours - cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mt. 27:46)
Jesus knew what He had come to do. So don't read this as confusion. Read it, rather, as a real expression of grief. (We don't have space here to look into how Jesus' words fit with the eternally unbreakable union of the Trinity, but I've shared some helpful links at the bottom if you'd like to read more).
Jesus felt a degree of loneliness and sorrow that you and I will never have to experience. He knows your pain, intimately. And as our Great High Priest, He right now is interceding for us. Because the sinless Son of God came to deal with sin (our sin!), and to stand in our place, these "light, momentary afflictions" we face point us to the One who not only understands but also has conquered everything that separates us from Him. (2 Cor. 4:17; Rom 8:38-39)
He is with us. In us! We are not alone. Ever.
So if the feelings of loneliness and abandonment are extra strong this weekend, express them to the One who truly knows.
And express them to those within our family of God who want to walk alongside you (like me).
And remember His incredible love AND work on your behalf. Not only for the future, but right now in your pain.
And if this isn't you, I encourage you to pray for those within our family who are struggling. Ask the Lord to guide you to these people, and to give you a love that can be expressed in helpful ways during their grief. That's how the Body is supposed to work, fueled by the One who knows and understands not only intimately, but infinitely. ❤️🙏
Anna
Articles for further reading:
