HIS TIMING, NOT OURS

READ: John 11:1-16

ANSWER THIS: When was the last time you wanted something “right now,” but someone said you had to wait?

THE BREAKDOWN

Siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were dear friends of Jesus, living in Bethany, a city just outside of Jerusalem. When Jesus receives a message from the sisters that their brother is sick, he tells his disciples it won’t end in death. Instead, Jesus says God will receive glory as a result, implying people will acknowledge God’s greatness after witnessing what’s about to happen.

Oddly, instead of immediately departing to see his sick friend, Jesus lingers, waiting a couple of days to leave.

When he finally says it’s time to go, the disciples are concerned for his safety. Just a few days prior, in the same vicinity where they were heading, people had threatened to stone Jesus to death for claiming he was the Son of God.

In response to the disciples’ concern, Jesus makes a reasonable observation, saying it’s safer to travel during the day than at night. As was typical of him, his statement had a double meaning: Walking in God’s light is better than walking in spiritual darkness.

Finally, Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus is asleep and that he must go wake him up. Not surprisingly, they take him literally and assume Lazarus is feeling better. Realizing they didn’t get it, Jesus tells them more straightforwardly, “Lazarus is dead.” But, he says he’s glad he wasn’t there already, as the events that are about to unfold will strengthen their belief.

One of his disciples, Thomas, still concerned for Jesus’ safety, bravely tells the others, if Jesus is willing to die, then they should all go and die with him.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Sometimes it’s hard to understand Jesus’ actions. It’s doubly hard to understand his inaction.

Aside from Jesus' three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, Lazarus was probably his next closest friend. Yet, when Jesus is told Lazarus is sick, he lingers, instead of immediately going to see him. By now, there was no doubt that Jesus could heal people. So, why didn’t he leave right away to care for his close friend?

Without the ability to see into the future, his disciples must have been confused. Did Jesus not care? Why would he choose to stay a couple more days? It wasn’t like he had anything more important to do.

Or, did he?

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR ME?

If you’re anxious about a difficult situation, constantly praying for God to intervene, and nothing has changed, you might be tempted to think He’s not doing anything. His inaction is actually action. What it really boils down to is timing. And, His timing is rarely ours.

PRAYER

“Lord, the hardest part of believing You care, is waiting on You. Help me to be patient, and show me Your timing is always better than mine.”