“So the sisters sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’ ” John 11:3
Jesus lingers and Lazarus dies. His sisters are heartbroken. The One who loves them and has the power to heal and save doesn’t show. When Jesus finally arrives, Martha goes to Jesus and speaks words of faith,
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:21-22.
And Jesus reveals to her who He is.
“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” John 11:27
Mary’s initial response is different. She stays home blanketed in grief and pain. The weeping sister falls at the feet of Jesus and acknowledges her deep disappointment. Jesus, deeply moved asks, “Where have you laid him?” John 11:34.
Jesus asks me a similar question. Where have I laid disappointment and pain? Guilt and shame? Where have I buried hurt and lost hope? Where are the dark, inconsolable corners of life? I pray that God would open those places so I can say with Martha and Mary,
“Come and see, Lord.” John 11:34.
Wherever Jesus goes, light, life and joy follow. It is still a broken world; Lazarus will die again, but Jesus has broken the power of sin and death:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25.
Lord, give me the gift of faith. Help me to be honest with you and allow you into those places of my heart that I have kept hidden even from myself. You know me better than myself. Have your way with me and bring your healing and life eternal where the sorrow is deep and the hope is gone. You alone are my hope and joy. Amen.
Klueh
Sixty-six books in a year 