“God can make a straight line with a crooked stick.”
William Gurnall
Mary and Martha were sisters with quite different personalities and temperaments. (See Luke 10 for some of their story) But, in this thing, they were united. They needed Jesus’ help when their brother, Lazarus, fell ill. The two sisters “sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” (John 11:3) What a close relationship was enjoyed between these siblings and Jesus. Lazarus is described not as their brother and not as a disciple and not even as a friend to Jesus but rather his identification and their appeal begins with how Jesus views Lazarus, “he whom you love is ill.” This must be a key to intercessory prayer.
When Jesus hears of this sickness, he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” (John 11:4-6) Why this delay? There are probably many reasons for the delay and certainly more benefits and blessings from this course of action chosen by Jesus. But why the delay? Throughout the Gospel of John, whenever Jesus is confronted by friends and family who wish to dictate his course of action, he often refuses even what appears to be mildly coercive. (Two examples: the request of Mary at the wedding in Cana of Galilee (John 2) and the suggestion of his brothers to go to the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7) In this passage, Jesus refuses to respond immediately to the sisters’ request. Is he refusing to be coerced? Yes, but the greater truth is that his timetable is to be determined by his Father. God’s glory is Jesus’ central concern. What is your concern today? If you have sought the aid of Jesus, then rest in this that he hears and will respond and will do so in the most fitting way. Trust him today. Have a blessed week and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Unto Him be glory,
Pastor Dale
