Day 23. Why are you crying?

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"Why are you crying?" John 20:15

There really was no cause for tears; for Jesus, whom she mourned as dead — was living. Does not Jesus ask the same question now of many a mourner, "Why are you crying?"

We cannot restrain our tears when a dear friend is taken from us; and there is nothing wrong in such tears. Jesus Himself wept beside the grave of His friend whom He was about to raise to life.

But with too many, the grief at loss of dear ones — is unsubmissive, unbelieving, even rebellious. When a Christian dies — he but departs to be with his Lord; can we therefore weep for him? Surely not; death to him is glorious gain. Shall we weep because he is with Christ, in eternal blessedness; because he is past all pain and trial; because he has been exalted to a place in the King's palace?

Shall we blame God, and weep bitter, rebellious tears — because He has taken one of His own children away from us? Does God make mistakes?Are we not sure of His love? Was it in anger, that He came and caused us such grief? May we not be sure that the sorrow which came with such heavy fall, was really God's best kindness for us, as well as for the beloved one He took to Himself? Is it not sin, then — for us to weep without any sweet submission and loving acquiescence?

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