SO THAT YOU MIGHT BELIEVE

We have been studying the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in our Sunday school lesson. Not all of these thoughts are original with me, but as I pondered this story the last few days, Jesus began to show me something new.

Here is just a recap of the story. You can find more details in the Bible in John 11.

*Lazarus was sick.

*His sisters Mary and Martha called for Jesus to come heal him.

*Jesus loved this family!

*Jesus waited 2 days before beginning His journey to help them.

*Lazarus died. Jesus was too late.

*When Jesus heard that Lazarus had died he told His disciples, “For your sake, I am glad I was not there. It will help you to believe.”

*By the time Jesus got there, Lazarus had been dead 4 days.

*Martha ran out to Him and said, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn't have died! But even now, I know whatever You ask of God, He will give it to You.”

*Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again.”

*Martha said, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

*Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life, whoever believes in Me, although he may die, yet he shall live. And whoever continues to live and believe in Me shall never die at all. Do you believe this?”

*Martha replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God who has come into the world.”

*Mary ran out to Jesus and dropped down at His feet sobbing and said, “Lord, if you would have been here my brother wouldn't have died.”

*When Jesus saw her weeping, He was deeply moved in His spirit, and troubled, and He wept.

*Jesus asked to be taken to the tomb.

*As they walked to the tomb Jesus continued to groan and sigh repeatedly.

*Upon reaching the tomb Jesus commanded that the stone be taken away.

*Martha said, “Lord by this time he's really gonna stink cause he's been dead for 4 days.”

*Jesus replied, “Didn't I tell you that if you believe you would see the glory of God?”

*Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. Yes, I know You always hear and listen to Me. But I have said this for the benefit of those standing around Me so they might believe that You did send Me.”

*Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

*Lazarus came out, his hands and feet wrapped in burial clothes, and a napkin wrapped around his face.

*Jesus said, “Free him of his burial clothes, and let him go.”

*Upon seeing what Jesus had done, many of the Jews who were there believed in Him.

Many of us are on our own journey to the tomb, half expecting a resurrection, half doubting that a resurrection is even possible. It's that parent of a son or daughter that is making poor choices and walking farther away from the Lord. It's that mother in the ICU watching her baby die. It's that father of 5 who has just lost his job. That single mom who is barely hanging on. Maybe it's a physical illness that wakes you up in the middle of the night shaking with pain. Or the news of a close friend diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Financial stress or relationship strains. Work drama, busy schedules, or vehicle breakdowns. Whatever your grief, you are crying out to the Lord, “If You would have been here, this wouldn't have happened! Don't You see? Don't You care?” And what does Jesus do,

He weeps.

He weeps with you.

And He says, “My precious child, this is happening to you so you might believe. Can you trust Me?"

Heartbroken and lonely I cried to the Lord

This is too much I can't take anymore

My spirit is heavy with sorrow and grief

Where are You, Lord? I need some relief

Don't You see what I'm going through?

I don't understand what You are trying to do

Softly and gently He spoke to my heart

My child, He said, I've been there from the start

I have heard you crying I have felt your pain

I have held you close and whispered your name

You've been through so much, I know and I care

In time you will see that I've always been there

I rested securely safe in His arms

My Father was good and He cared for my heart

His perfect peace came and covered my soul

His presence was there like I never knew before

And as time went on Jesus lessened the pain

He brought rest to my heart and more peace once again

-A. Weaver

In all this, in this deep dark journey to the tomb we must keep our focus on Jesus. He is there. Always. He cares deeply, and He has you in the center of His hand. He will never let go of you. EVER! He is fighting the enemy on your behalf. Jesus is in control. He's got it all figured out. As painful as it is, there is no other plan that is more perfect for you. It's for your good. He turns the ugly into something that can be used to glorify Him. Your faith will become stronger because of your grief. Your relationship with Jesus will become sweeter and more precious as you cling to His promises and trust in His heart. As others see what God is doing in you, they too will begin to believe. Their faith will be stronger because of your grief. God will use your response, your journey to the tomb, as a testimony of His great love. It will not be in vain. It will not be all loss. 

Jesus WILL bring life to your dying, hopeless situation. He may be there right now, crying with a loud voice, “Loose the grave clothes, and let him go.” Some journeys to the tomb are longer than others. Some experience the resurrection immediately. Others the journey takes years. Still other's wont experience the resurrection until Jesus comes in the last day for that final Resurrection. But they will experience it. Someday, when it's the right time. When God says, “ENOUGH! Come forth!” Then all will be made new. All grief and sorrow will be washed away. What a moment! What a glorious day that will be!