God’s Love: A difficult thing when we’re in pain
So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. - John 11:6
If you read the story of Lazarus in John 11, you will see a critically important emphasis. Jesus loved Lazarus and Mary and Martha. This love was so dominant that it verbalized by the characters in verse three and by the author, John, in verse five. John wants to ensure that Jesus’ love is the foundation of the passage and the difficult events that follow.
Jesus’ love is vital because after hearing that Lazarus was sick, Jesus waits for him to die before going to him. And we’re not reading between the lines here; this is what John says. It was because Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus that he waited for Lazarus to die.
Because Mary and Martha knew Jesus could have healed Lazarus they struggled with the delay and experienced deep pain. So, why didn’t Jesus hurry home and just heal his friend? Lazarus didn’t need to die, did he? He did. The text says that this was so Mary could see the glory of God and so that many could believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Then Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
The Bible gives us another story of unimaginable pain that didn’t “need” to happen. Jesus endured unimaginable pain and injustice so that you and I could see the glory of God. Jesus willingly suffered and died so his children could see the glory of God.
Jesus, you know what’s best in every situation and always have the good of your children in mind. I’m sorry that my trust fades in times of pain. I’m sorry that I’m so short-sighted in the struggles. If you answered all my prayers the way I wanted, I’d be in big trouble. Thank you for enduring the pain for me. Please change me. I want to trust you always. I want to see your glory.
Song: At the Cross