The House of Affliction

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,  And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.   Jesus Wept”   John 11:33-35

There are places in our lives that are special to us. I know I have a few special places in my life.  I think this way of my hometown, Spokane, Washington and a little town in Montana where we lived when I was very little, Coram Montana near Glacier Park.  I also think often of Glasgow, Montana where as a young man I was first told of the saving grace of the Lord. 

The most important place in my life I always go back to is Clear, Alaska where I became a believer.  Dallas, Texas is special to me.  Even though I am not a true Texan, I like to think of myself as one.  I know this must seem strange but I have many great memories down there, especially spiritual ones. 

There is a place in the Bible that has always been a favorite of mine, a little place called Bethany.  There are actually two of them mentioned in the Bible; one by Jordan where John baptized Jesus and one close to the Mount of Olives.  The one I think most about is the latter where Lazarus was raised from the dead.  This is also where Jesus made “The Triumphal Entry” and gave the “Great Commission” before He ascended to Glory. 

Even though the meaning of the name Bethany is, ‘house of affliction” what I see is a place of victory.  Yes, it was a ‘house of affliction’ that day when Lazarus lay dead in the tomb but it soon turned into a day of great victory when Jesus came on the scene and raised Lazarus from the dead .  I always picture in my mind Jesus weeping over the sorrow of the people.  I find much comfort in Him doing this.  You see I know He is no respecter of individuals and if He loved them this way He will also love us the same.  If He changed their day of pain and sorrow into one of joy, He will do the same for us. 

I am thinking this morning of a person named Bethany, a young lady that needs her pain turned to peace.  She is faced with some decisions in her live that will have a great effect on her and her family.   I believe Jesus is weeping for Bethany today just as He did that day around the grave of Lazarus.  Christ is the answer as He always is, to all our problems.  Please help the tears of Bethany be wiped away by praying for her and watch the same Jesus that gave victory to those at Bethany to Bethany!!!