Day 34 - John 11:35
A Fasted Journey for Spiritual Renewal
Day 34
“Jesus wept.” -John 11:35
On Good Friday this year, just two days before I started my fast, I wrote The Lazarus Effect. I briefly touched on this verse there saying, “John tells us, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his sprint and greatly troubled.” Moved and troubled for the reasons just mentioned, and probably others as well. John continues, “And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.” Jesus weeps. What a human thing to do. What a manly thing to do. What a Godly thing to do.”
Little did I know that this verse would soon have much more personal relevance for me. I wrote about that personal relevance a bit on Day 22. Now, on Day 34, that relevance becomes more intense. I traveled to Tennessee yesterday where I met up with a handful of old Army buddies. Most of whom I haven’t seen in about 15 years. A few of us had our paths cross while we were in the 101st Airborne. A few others I have seen here and there in post Army life for the occasional wedding. But by and large it has been many years.
Now, we reunite under less than desirable circumstances to lay to rest one of our own. “Jesus wept.” Jesus wept because of the death of his friend Lazarus and the grief of those around him. So too did some of us because of the death of our friend and the grief of one another, the grief of family and friends gathered. A bunch of grizzled infantrymen crying. And you know what, that is perfectly normal, acceptable, and manly.
We have deny the satanic lies of the world when it comes to what a man is. Not only is it good for men to have emotion, it is good for us to show it. It is good for us to embrace it and work through it. In this instance, it is good for us to have grief. We have been told for most of our lives that men shouldn’t cry or show emotion. Of course that is what satan would want since it is the opposite of how Christ lived the most manly life of any man ever.
Another passage that comes to mind is Ecclesiastes 3. I’m not sure I can think of a more apt passage for us infantrymen during this time, and perhaps for all humans to draw knowledge from. A time for everything indeed.
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
A time for everything. Check in on each other. Look after each other when you can. Pray for each other. When necessary, weep for each other.
Shortly after I heard of our friend’s passing I wrote Only the Dead Have Seen the End of War. It was difficult to write, but necessary. It also ended up being therapeutic for me and one of my personal favorite musings thus far. I posted this clip from Jarhead at the end of it. It seems apt to share at the end of this too.
I am not a medical professional. This journal is about my spiritual path and about that which the Lord has placed on me. This is not medical advice, nor was this fast done for any medical purpose. If you have a medical interest, seek medical advice. If you have particular health concerns, seek medical advice and/or conduct your own research. Any fasting advice, effects, realizations or anything else related to my fast come from my personal reflection and experience. If you are considering fasting, consulting with a healthcare provider may be appropriate for you.
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