Be Still, Verse 3

In verse 3 of Be Still, we are reminded that through our own hurt and grief, we can better know Jesus and His love for us. Hebrews 2:17 tells us that Jesus had to become like His brethren in all things so that He would be a merciful high priest.

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

While Jesus was on Earth he displayed His humanity in many ways, even by displaying sorrow and grief. In John 11, Jesus is called to come and heal Lazarus who is sick. Jesus is friends with Lazarus, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, but He purposely waits two days before going to their village. As we know from this famous account, by the time He leaves, Lazarus is now dead and is buried. When Jesus gets to the village, Lazarus’ sisters are quite upset that He didn’t come earlier, because they know He could have healed him.

Jesus asks to be taken to the place where Lazarus was buried. When he gets there, he weeps, and the Jews say “see how He loved him.” His humanity was apparent to everyone there! He cried, no WEPT, over Lazarus' death! But they also asked “Couldn’t you have kept him from dying?” Then John tells us that Jesus was deeply moved within. Lazarus was his friend; he was truly grieved by his death. But Jesus had said earlier in this story, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." (verse 4) Jesus brings Lazarus back to life, and many who witnessed came to believe in Him. (verse 45)

I find this story profound because Jesus clearly demonstrates His humanity and His deity. He weeps for Lazarus, and is deeply moved within, and He also displays His resurrection power in bringing Lazarus back to life.

Since Jesus became human in every way (except without sin), He can clearly identify with us when we grieve and are sorrowful. He has experienced it too! He knows what we’re going through, and He can come to our aid. Through His comfort, we will better know His heart, so we can become more like Him, our perfect example.

Verse 3:
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.