Jesus wept.

John 11:35 (New International Version, ©2011)

³⁵ Jesus wept.

Shortest verse in the Bible. Popular with teens trying to win competitions at church for the most verses memorized. But why was Jesus weeping?

It was near Lazarus' tomb Mary and those with her were weeping. Jesus knew that Lazarus was dead and he knew what he was about to do. Yet he took the time to grieve with those that were at a loss.

Today I wept. Loud and long. I have not wept like this in a long time. My life is still in that meat grinder I mentioned in a previous blog, but that is not why I wept.

I've spent the morning listening to Pastor Steve Thompkins, Pastor James Harleman and Pastor Scott Thomas speak at Mars Hill Church during one of their mens conferences. There are four messages on our Pursuit, Passions, Performance and Heart. The Holy Spirit has moved in my heart and I have wept before God. The meat grinder I'm in is a machine of my own making.

I don't know what God's plans are for me, but for the first time I think I'm actually listening to him. I have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit this morning. I have a craving more of all that is God.

I praise God for tears. Some this morning have been bitter. Some have been surrender. Some have been repentance. Some have been joy. All have washed away some of the pain and grief I've been carrying.

I feel good.

Blessings.