Strategic Love

Nº 323

October 8, 2024

In honor of Dan's latest book release, the remainder of October will feature excerpts from October Storm. This week is taken from the chapter titled, "If we love, we will weep."

Greater than the storm is God’s strategic love for us.

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus wept.”

Fully divine yet fully human, Jesus understands pain. Jesus wept because His friend, Lazarus, had died. His pain was deep, personal, and flowed from a loving heart.

Thirty verses earlier, John introduces the story with a simple foundational declaration: “Jesus loved Martha, her sister (Mary), and Lazarus.” (John 11:5) Jesus loved each of the siblings, but He expressed His love differently to each, depending on what they needed and what was best for them. Mary He taught. Martha He gently rebuked. And Lazarus He let die.

This love is hard to grasp. It is difficult to comprehend a love that could move Jesus to allow Lazarus to experience death, burial, tomb-bound isolation, and an amazing return to life. However, Jesus knew this painful path was best for Lazarus and all concerned.

We all feel pain. We all feel loss. We all shed tears. But greater than the storm is God’s strategic love for us. This amazing drama demonstrates God’s multifaceted expression of love. The painful pathway for Lazarus, his sisters, and their friends flowed from Jesus’ heart of love. Jesus feels our pain, and Jesus loves us in ways we may never understand.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries