(John 11:4-6 NIV) When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” We closed out last week by looking at how Jesus reacted to the news of Lazarus’ sickness. Understanding that we are talking about people (Mary, Martha, and Lazarus) Jesus loved makes His reaction even more baffling. Instead of heading off to Bethany to heal Lazarus and comfort Mary and Martha, instead of speaking of Word of healing that would cause the sickness to run like lightning, instead of sending one of the disciples to give word that He was on His way, Jesus simply stayed where He was and seemingly did nothing. Now, one thing He did do was to say, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” However, Mary and Martha were not there to hear those words. As far as they knew, Jesus had not found out about Lazarus situation. Or even worse, maybe He had found out, but in some weird twist of fate, He had not arrived yet.
This was a hard pill to swallow for the family. They knew Jesus had healed countless strangers and they considered themselves close friends. So their relationship was not an issue. They had complete confidence in Jesus’ ability to heal. So their faith was not an issue. I am sure the sisters were racking their brains, attempting to come up with a reason why Jesus had not shown up. “Why is Jesus not here yet?” they would think. “Why would He not speak a Word of healing? Why was Lazarus getting worse, instead of better? Why, God, why?” I believe we have all been there. Especially when a loved one is sick.
Let me go back to Jesus’ statement. All He had said to this point was, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” He had already caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. Jesus had already fed an enormous crowd with a little boy’s lunch. He had already raised two people from the dead and performed countless other miracles, but He knew that this one, this miracle, this manifestation of the glory of God, would be the biggest one yet. This would be the miracle that would cause the buzz about Jesus to reach a fever pitch. This would be the one that would drive the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the High Priest to want Jesus’ head. This would be the one that would drive the kingdom of darkness crazy.
But where does this leave Mary, Martha, and Lazarus? Sure, Jesus saw the end from the beginning, but they didn’t. Jesus knew what He was going to do and how God would get the glory for it, but they didn’t. Jesus knew that the sickness would not END in death, but it sure looked like it to the two sisters. And to make matters worse, Jesus chose to stay where He was for two more days. And it’s not because He was busy. It’s not because He was ministering to people. It’s not because He was in the middle of some big assignment for God. No, Jesus just simply CHOSE to stay where He was for two more days. He chose to delay the blessing. He chose to postpone the performance. He chose to defer the deliverance. Why? Because there was purposed wrapped up in what He was doing; there was a method to the seeming madness.
So what does this mean to you today? Two things:
1. God knows what He is doing: The sisters had done their part, which was to make the petition. For you today that would be prayer. They did what they needed to do. They placed their confidence in Jesus, but it was now on God. God had a plan; it just did not line up theirs. So pray, believe God, and wait in anticipation, but just know that God may not do it the way you expect Him to.
2. Trust God: I keep coming back to this because it is important. Trust God, even when it seems like His plans and timing does not line up with your plans and timing. Trust that God knows what He is doing, even when you don’t. Your trust must be rooted in your belief that God loves you and He has your best in mind. So even when you don’t understand His actions, trust Him and believe that it will work out for your good.
Closing Confession: Father, You taught me through Isaiah that Your ways are above my ways and Your thoughts are above my thoughts. Your Spirit lives inside of me and I believe He can reveal to me what You are doing, but even if He doesn’t and even if I don’t know the purpose behind what You allow within the arena of my life, I declare that I will still trust You. I will maintain remain in faith and hold on in patience, because I know You love me and however it works out, it will be for my good! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
