In the Bible, the word ‘crying’ is used in many contexts, ranging from the expression of a hurting emotion; to earnestly beseeching; to proclaiming and so on, but let us focus on three specific instances apropos what the Bible teaches us about ‘crying’. The first one is about two blind men who followed Jesus, crying for Jesus to have mercy on them (Matthew 9:27). The second is about a prophet, the greatest of all who is said to be the voice crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way of The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), Jesus Christ, challenging all to repentance (Mark 1:3). The third is the account of a time frame where there shall be perpetual crying (Matthew 22:13) or no more crying (Revelation 21:4).
From the blind men, we learn a few important lessons. First is that the blind men followed Jesus. Ever wondered how they would have done that? See blind men follow only those who can lead them safely. Have you ever seen a blind man following another blind man? Secondly, the blind men were crying, not necessarily for Jesus to restore their physical sight but for Jesus’ mercy, which on the onset may even seem absurd. They were asking for the right thing from God, which was for spiritual restoration (for his mercy) and we learn from the account that they were doubly restored, spiritually and physically. There are many with perfect physical eyesight that are blind today; for the god of this world has blinded the minds of many lest the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:4). They are crying out to be restored; they are crying out for mercy. Those who are lost (unbelievers) are crying.
From John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness, we learn that those who have believed and seen the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, the only one who can lead us safely to God, must also cry. The cry of the saved (believers) should be a cry, that beckons to prepare the way of the Lord, calling for repentance and showcasing the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on to those who are crying for His mercy. If you are a believer, what is your cry?
We have learned from the scripture that sinners cry, and that the saints are to cry as well. We also learn that there will come a time when there will either be perpetual crying or no more crying for some. Those who do not believe in Jesus (who are not clothed with righteous robes that is imputed when they believe in Jesus) will be cast out from the presence of God, where there will be crying (weeping) and gnashing of teeth, and eternal torment (Matthew 22:13). Those who believe that Jesus is the Only begotten Son of God, who took our punishment upon himself and became the sacrifice acceptable to God, dying on the Cross and who rose conquering the grave and death, can expectantly yearn for the time when God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death (only life), neither sorrow (only joy), nor crying (only laughter), neither shall there be any pain (only pleasure). The eternal future glory far supersedes any ephemeral present suffering.
Point(s) to ponder:
- If you have never believed in Jesus, this is the time for your to cry out for His mercy to restore you to God! Tarry not!
- If you have believed in Jesus, are we hearing the cries of those who are crying for a Savior to have mercy on them and are we crying out, declaring the glorious light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What is our cry, today?
- There is a time to weep and a time to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Those who reject Jesus will eternally weep (with gnashing of teeth) and those who accept him may cry now but will eternally be filled with life, joy, laughter and pleasure in His presence. Choose ye this day, if you want to cry or laugh in the time to come!
Matthew 9:27 (KJV)
27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
Mark 1:3 (KJV)
3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 22:11-13 (KJV)
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Mano Paul
While reading the Bible, I came across this verse and realized how fitting it is to this topic of crying out as a believer. Even the unclean spirits (demons) fell down and cried out when they encountered Jesus and do you know what they cried out. They cried out “Thou art the Son of God” (Mark 3:11). How much more our cry indicating the same needs to be?