JESUS WEPT
Suggested Reading: Genesis 43-44
(click scripture link to read online)
Rows of pillars from the great Hypostyle Hall in the Karnak Temple complex just 2.5 km north of Luxor, Egypt.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo click HERE.
Key Verse: Genesis 43:30
Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.
Joseph is a type, or picture, of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both Joseph and Jesus were rejected by their brothers, sold for the price of a slave, considered to be dead, yet later declared alive. Both wept over people and circumstances, their hearts tender for others and their sin. Both were tested severly.
Joseph, I’m sure, faced the temptation to be angry and bitter against his brothers. Have you, like Joseph, been betrayed, treated cruelly, lied about and forsaken? Because of actions taken and lies told, have you lost the beautiful experience of God’s love? Or have you retained a soft, trusting heart? God honoured Joseph highly because of his magnificent attitude. He’ll do the same for you.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I need Your grace constantly. May Your Holy Spirit fill me so that the Person of Jesus Christ will be seen through me. Like Joseph, may I be tender-hearted, forgiving any and all who have sought to do me harm. I pray this in the Name of the One who prayed, “Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As children in Sunday School we would be asked to quote a Bible verse by memory. I would often be the first to quote “Jesus wept,” the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35). We’d laugh, and even the teacher would manage a grimace. We, as immature children, did not understand the tears of Jesus. The only times we wept were out of self pity. As I grew older, I stopped crying for that reason. It was often reported to me that people would say, “Let’s turn on 100 Huntley Street and watch David cry.” So be it! I wear, as has been said, “my heart on my sleeve.” Sometimes I felt sheepish about my tears. I remember being encouraged when I read that the tough General Schwarzkopf, leader in the first Gulf War, said, “I never trust a man who can’t cry.” I felt better about my tears after that. I’m not ashamed to cry. Jesus and Joseph are my kind of men.
From my heart,
David
REMINDER: If you are reading the email version and wish to post a comment on my blog, go to www.100words.ca and “Leave a Reply.”
Dear David:It seems to me that when we ( male or female) cry, particularly when in prayer, we know, and God knows, that we mean business with Him. So cry away, brother, we love you for it, and you too are the Father’s kind of man. Blessings!
Interesting observation David, I’ve never heard of such a comparison of traits made between Joseph and Jesus before. The word of God is fascinating, it’s just a wealth of knowledge and truth. The bible talks much about wisdom and how seeking and knowing God through His word can be a basis of gaining or growing in this wisdom. Psalm 119:11 says “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Lord, we should all be blessed with the wisdom of knowing your word, in knowing your son Jesus Christ. Our time here on earth is brief, we don’t know the time when you will return. On that day, may we be found with the wisdom and the heart that are acceptable to you Lord Jesus. Amen.
Your tears have always shown me the depth of your compassion and humanity. Never manipulative or insincere, as has been the case with many.
Ah, the softening of our hearts through the love of our Saviour Jesus.
I also am intrigued with the comparison of Joseph and Jesus and like what you had to say. The evidence of tears for compassion is a learning tool for those of us who have been raised that crying is weakness not only for men but also for women.
Scripture has touched my heart on almost a daily basis until tears are present and I’m finally comfortable with that – regardless who finds me weeping over my Bible.
Thank you David for your blog!
A man who can cry over things that breaks our Lord’s heart, such as suffering, injustice and the lost souls of the unredeem has no reason to be ashame. I wish all men could see the beauty of tears as you do David. God bless you for allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal our Lord’s sorrow to us all these years.
David
I have never felt angry toward my sisters of brothers and have always felt compassionate toward others. I guess it is a gift or something I always had.
When other people speak Gods name in vain or just as slang. I ask the Lord
to forgive them for they know what they do.
Lianne Hogg
David, Tears are a language God understands. Sometimes we can get so over whelmed with circumstances in life that tears will come instead of words. God understands every tear drop that falls. Praise His Holy Name for He has done great things.
Thelma
I, too, wasn’t aware of the comparison between Joseph and Jesus, and am grateful for your insight, David. It makes me want to delve into the Word even more. Thank you for openly showing your heart and shedding your tears for Jesus–you are a blessed saint and inspiring teacher!
Dear Mr. Mainse,
All of these wonderful messages to you regarding your blog today speak for me also. Your son Reynold takes us back in time with his beautiful photographs. And yourself, give us an understanding of who both Joseph and Jesus were like as caring and loving men, living in their time walking among the people.
The love and compassion Jesus has for us must be boundless, to die for our sins.
God Bless You for being a loving man.
I believe God loves your tears as he made you.
Always, I enjoy your blog 🙂
Diane
Also, Your Son Ron, His Wife Ann, Moira and Jim are exceptional hosting the next 50 years of 100 Huntley Street. And Cheryl is Fabulous filling in for Ron and Ann.
Yes God sees the heart….sometimes tears express what words cannot….Ii am glad knows us better than any human being…God bless
Hi David, The bible says there’s a time to weep and a time to laugh. You do both wonderfully by the leading of Holy Spirit. It’s great that you can respond without intimidation. Love you lots!
Good Day, I felt compelled to write a reply to you about yours words today. I have been going through I really hard time in my life… Your words struck me deeply. I heard God today! I just want to say thank you… He’s gotten through to me today in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time. Praying that He will continue to soften my heart so that I will never lose the-Beautiful experience of God’s love again!! AMEN
Thankyou !