“Afflictions are sent and sanctified to bring us to Christ because often nothing else will.”
John Durant
In John 11:1-16, Jesus delays going to help Lazarus and his sisters. Lazarus had fallen ill and Martha and Mary had reached out to Jesus for help. Jesus delayed. Lazarus died. And preachers have speculated why ever since. Two pastors, Alexander Maclaren (19th century) and James Montgomery Boice (20th century) both reached the same conclusion, “The delayed help always comes at the right time.” We join them in that conclusion. God, in his providence and mercy, always sends help at just the right time. But what do we mean by “the right time?” The right time is that time which brings God the most glory and his people the most good. It is the time needed to increase our joy and dependence in the character and care of God. Deliver us too soon and we dwell in presumption. Deliver us too late and we become trapped in despair. But his timing is just right, as it matches his plans. These are plans whose ends we are not able to see.
David, in his flight from Saul, experiences this deepening of trust. His confidence in the Lord grew stronger even while he languished in the dark of a cave.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
3 He will send from heaven and save me;
he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! (Ps. 57:1-3)
David knows that God will accomplish his purpose for David’s life. Please note that it was God’s purpose for David and not David’s own desires that would be fulfilled. Martha and Mary’s desire for Lazarus was for his immediate healing. Jesus had a higher, more glorious purpose for that family. Perhaps today, you are in the midst of an episode of trouble or even an extended season of affliction, trust our good Lord to accomplish his glorious ends and to do so in a way that results in blessing for his people. Have a blessed day and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Unto him be glory and honor,
Pastor Dale
