Less is more.

They do say that sometimes ‘less is more’.
I am often told this when being served pudding or quiche (both of which I love beyond all measure). I am suspicious of this saying especially when used to justify the size of the portion presented to me. However, it is certainly true when it comes to the shortest verse in the whole Bible: Jesus wept. (John 11:35 NIV) This may be short but it is full.

Preceding this verse we read:
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied.
Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35 NIV)

Jesus appeared on the scene knowing that Lazarus was going to be raised from the dead; he was full of faith. Despite this he was moved by grief. There is so much conflict contained within these two words; how could Jesus be full of faith and grief?! Surely if he was so confident of Lazarus’ return to life he should be brimming with anticipation and not grief. It is such a confusing verse but it also reassures us.

Sometimes I struggle to reconcile my feelings of desperation and trust; I trust in God but still feel a sense desperation as I wait for Him to answer my prayers. You would think that trust is the antidote, the remedy for these ‘negative’ feelings but it appears not to be the case. In Christ we are made whole but this does not mean we are conflict free; it simply means that the conflict will not divide, destroy or conquer us. Here we see Jesus consumed by both grief for the dead and faith to raise the dead. Did it hinder the miracle? Not one bit!

Let this shortest verse constantly remind you that it is OK to feel the way you do and still believe in God for a miracle. It is Christ who holds us together.

-Andrew Carey