In Tragedy, Grief with Hope

A Tim Keller Sermon Summary

Tragedy is inevitable. Let’s learn from the Lazarus’ story (John 11:1-53).
 
“Lord, the one you love is sick,” Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters, told Christ, but still He waited for two days before going over (v6). When He arrived, Lazarus was already dead for days, and they questioned Christ for not coming sooner.
 
To Mary’s question, Christ wept. He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead (v4), yet He cried (v35). Christ weeps with those who weep because He feels our pain.
 
To Martha’s same question, Christ didn’t console, but told her, “I am the resurrection and the life” (v25). He taught her the truth: He is the life, and He would make everything new, with no more death.
 
Christ was also deeply moved with indignation (v33, 38). The original Greek word means “filled with rage and anger.” Christ wasn’t angry at others, such as the Samaritans or “Muslims,” or at Himself. He wasn’t angry at Lazarus.
 
When Job was suffering, Job’s friends accused him of sinning, leading to God’s punishment.
 
Don’t make assumptions about God’s intention based on your immediate circumstances. A smooth life could be a result of God giving us over to our bad desires. If we stay proud and stupid, we will perish (Romans 1:24-32).
 
Christ warned that victims of a political massacre or a falling tower weren’t worse people than others (Luke 13:1-5). Remember that Christ lived perfectly but suffered terribly. We shouldn’t assume that our immediate circumstances are a direct reflection on God’s approval or disapproval of us.
 
In Lazarus’ story, Christ’s anger might be for death at the tomb (v38).
 
Then, He brought Lazarus back to life. Christ’s action led to the Pharisees plotting to kill Him (v53). Christ fixed their problem, yet He soon would be facing a much bigger one.
 
In our life, there will be tragedy. When tragedy strikes, grieve, but grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Express your anger against the tragedy. Lay your pain and suffering before Christ. Our God will weep with us and teach us the truth. He is the resurrection and the life. Because of His blessings, He will make everything new and right again.
 
Summarized from a Tim Keller’s sermon, “Truth tear anger grace.”
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/truth-tears-anger-and-grace-5247/