John 11- In John chapter 11 we read the story of Lazarus, Jesus's dear friend. Lazarus was very sick and on his death bed so his sisters came to Jesus so that he might heal their brother - but Jesus said "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this." (v 4). As we read more, Jesus remained where he was until Lazarus had "fallen asleep", then he went to see Mary and Martha who were mourning because Lazarus died.
Can you imagine how Mary and Martha felt? They had been told by Jesus that their brother would not die. Even when Jesus arrived and was telling them that he will rise again, they did not get it - they thought Jesus was talking about the end times. Jesus asked them if they believed in him - both said yes. They both said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had only been here, my brother would not have died."(v21, 32). When Jesus saw the them crying and the other Jews weeping, he was deeply moved and troubled - he also wept.
Jesus loved this man and he had compassion for the people. The most interesting part of the story, to me, is what happened next - Jesus asked where they placed him and wend there to the tomb. He told them to remove the stone, to which Martha replied, "Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible."(v39) But wait, I thought Martha believed Jesus was the Messiah! She had just stated this a few moments ago, but now she is objecting to Jesus telling her to remove the stone. After the stone is moved Jesus prays and Lazarus is raised.
This is a fairly familiar story in the Bible, but what can it mean to us today? Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that God would be glorified. Did Lazarus suffer while he was dying - most certainly and Jesus allowed him to die to serve a higher calling. Do you think Mary and Martha, the disciples, or the crowds understood why Lazarus died and was in the grave those four days? I would say no, especially given the comments prior to Lazarus being raised. This story spoke to me not because it was a testament to the limitless power of God and the compassion he has for us, but because it showed that our perspective and understanding is extremely short sighted and limited. Consider the number of people that saw Lazarus raised from the dead, the lives that were changed, and the other lives that were saved as a result of the witnesses... God's plans are perfect as is his timing. We must understand that there are going to be times when we suffer, we are going to experience delays that WE do not deem necessary (could Jesus have bypassed Lazarus dying and healed him - yes), but ultimately our faith and trust in God is what is critical.
If you are living through a "Lazarus" type moment understand that there is a purpose, character is being built, faith is being increased, or maybe there is someone that will be blessed by the testimony of your story. Remain faithful and trust in God, remember....
Proverbs 21:30 "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."
Comments