“Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. Groan silently”

Ezekiel 24:16-17a

​God has often called his prophets to very difficult and bizarre tasks in order to bear his message. God called Isaiah to wander unclothed (Isaiah 20), Hosea to marry a prostitute (Hosea 1), John the Baptist to live in the wilderness feasting on locust and wild honey (Mark 1). Perhaps most difficult was God’s instruction to Ezekiel after the death of his wife. Not only was the delight of his eyes taken from him, but also he was instructed to hide his sorrow. He would not mourn in the customary ways of the Jews. He had to uphold his responsibility as God’s mouthpiece and deliver the Word of the Lord. The dramatic nature of this instruction was meant to be a dramatic wake up call for what God was going to do to the Jews because of their sins.  

​There are times in people’s lives where tears are a privilege that cannot be expressed. Parents keep up a good face before their children when dealing with crisis. Public servants cannot give in to the pain of sorrow when tragedy strikes and they must do their jobs. Ministers and caregivers often cannot mourn while they are trying to care for those who are hurting. Then there are others who hide their sorrow because of shame or guilt. Though, there may be times where grief cannot be openly shared with all, it is still necessary for the soul to be able to find comfort in sharing sadness. Isolating ourselves only leads to further pain and destruction. God has created us as relational beings dependent on the care of others. We all need to feel loved, especially when life is hard. Confiding in others can also open doors for prayer and love to flow.  

​Develop a space for grace. Opening our hearts is risky. If someone is heavy hearted and needing care one should realize the importance of tact. No one will confide in someone they do not feel they can trust. Gossip and a lack of integrity are traits that will destroy this ministry of presence. God has promised that a time is coming when he will wipe away all tears (Revelation 21:4). Until then, he is calling the church to be there for those who are hurting.