Read John 11:1-16
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus.” We have been looking at how Jesus reacted when He found out that Lazarus was sick. Instead of heading off to Bethany to heal Lazarus and to comfort Mary and Martha, or instead of speaking a Word of healing that would cause the sickness to run like lightning, and instead of sending one of the disciples to give word that He was on His way, Jesus simply stayed where He was for two more days and He seemingly did nothing about this situation. Now, one thing He did do was to say, “This sickness will not end in death. No, this sickness is for the glory of God. This has happened to bring glory to the Son of God.” 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, this sickness is for the glory of God. This has happened to bring glory to the Son of God.” 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.
a) 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. Jesus knew that the sickness would not end in death, and that He would be glorified through it. So as you face your situation, pray, believe God, and wait in anticipation, but just know that God may not do it the way you expect Him to. His way may be different than your way. His plan may not match your expectation. But know that when He does it, it will be much grander than anything you could have come up with.
b) God does not have to explain Himself, but He will reveal Himself, in due season. There is a season when your manifestation is due.
c) It’s easy to get “caught up” in your situation, while God is looking at the bigger picture. When God finally does it, you will realize that He did it in such a way that was more purposeful than anything you were thinking about.
2. You have to get to the point where you truly Trust God.
a) Trust God, even when it seems like His plan and His timing does not line up with your plans or your timing.
b) Trust that God knows what He is doing, even when you don’t. Trust in His sovereignty.
c) 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 what He’s doing, you can trust Him and believe that it will work out for your good.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. I am excited about what You have planned for my life, for this year. You taught me through the prophet 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 permit, I declare that I will still trust You. I will remain in-faith, I will trust You, and I will believe my God, knowing that however it works out, it will be for my good! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
