Ezra 3:13 No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.

Strong emotions can indeed blend together. In some situations that can become pathological, as in masochism. Some people become fear junkies, actively seeking out dangerous situations for the adrenaline hit. Such things are indications of human weakness and stupidity. In this particular situation the strong emotions weren’t being held by the same people simultaneously, but the effect was much the same. I’m sure everyone was exhausted when the day was over! It strikes me that those who were weeping probably had mixed emotions in the process, because there should have been gratitude at the new beginning, as well as mourning for what had been. It was probably a sort of flashback, as they remembered not just how the temple had been in its former glory, but what went on when it was destroyed by the Babylonian army. That was a horrible scene indeed! Those who had been born during the captivity probably had little to no empathy with such flashbacks. The thing is, God knew and cared about it all, and cared for each individual whatever their emotions. I really think that’s one reason Jesus came as a human being, so that He could actually feel the emotions we do on our scale. However, He did that, so we can rest assured that He understands us even when we don’t understand ourselves.

Today is to me a day of mixed, and potentially strong, emotions. Some good friends have asked to use our building for a celebration of life. That’s a currently popular term in the US for a funeral, but in this case the person in question is still alive, though they won’t be for much longer. The couple is 84, and the wife is in the terminal phase of lung cancer, with one lung full of tumors and the other filling with fluid, though she currently has no real pain and is able to be at home. She is already over a year past the first “expiration date” her doctors gave her! They are very active in evangelism, being members of the Salvation Army, and they planned today’s program as an evangelistic outreach. About a third of those expected will step into a church building for the first time today. A few days ago I spoke to their son who is currently living with them as support in this time, noting the conflicting emotions he was doubtless feeling, and he was very appreciative of my understanding. I will be in charge of videoing the whole thing, since the couple’s daughter lives in the US, and my wife and I will be singing a bilingual song about the love of God for us. My biggest personal concern is that I will be able to do the video editing afterward correctly, since there will be two cameras, and I’m not experienced in editing. I am filled with empathy for the couple, since my own wife has a list of medical issues, and I have thought many times about what it would be like if my wife precedes me, which she is likely to do. Today I am to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) My prayer is that I will do it well.

Father, I do pray for the couple and their family, and for all of today’s activities. The couple is well loved, for excellent reason, and they are loved most by You. May today be an effective demonstration of Your love to both those present and those who observe from a distance, so that You may be glorified and people be brought into Your family. Thank You. Hallelujah!