3 Nephi 17:5
And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
I noticed two things in this verse that I had not noticed before. First, they didn’t ask him to stay. He perceived it through their steadfast looks “as if they would ask him.” The fact that our Savior is infinitely perceptive and compassionate is where my mind usually goes, but this time I wondered why they didn’t ask. Did he seem unapproachable? Did it seem like he was on a tight schedule.
- 10:30 a.m. - Nephites
- 11:00 a.m. - Other sheep.
Or, more likely, did it seem like too great a blessing to ask for? Probably. I think I am guilty of this at times.
The other thing I hadn’t noticed before is that they were in tears. Were they just so moved by his presence and counsel or were they tears of sorrow anticipating his pending departure? I’m sure it was some of both. Every time I cry nowadays I deride myself, and complain about it being a neurological condition. Why do I feel the need to do this? I suppose it is societal, even though I’ve never worried much about society’s definition of masculinity. (By that I mean that I don’t have a gun rack, or even a gun, a fish on a hook creeps me out, and I sang tenor.) I don’t know that it is a manhood thing as much as I fear that I am making everyone else around me uncomfortable.
I don’t know, but maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on myself, or make light of that emotional manifestation. Not only did the multitude have tears, but Christ openly wept (v21) and wept again (v22). It happens, and it is a part of who I am at this time. No more apologies. No more jokes.
3 comments:
i don't mind it a bit!
except when you can't finish your stories!
Heavenly Father is aware of our tears, of whatever kind, but particularly, I think, of tears of sorrow or fear or anxiety. How much does God love us? He gave John the Revelator a glimpse of this love when John was alone on the Isle of Patmos. We have the record in Revelation 7:16 &17 – “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; … for the Lamb … shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” I look forward to that.
I have learned a long time ago not to fight the tears. It is a trait that perhaps we have inherited from our mother. ; )
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