So that you may believe.
John 11:15
The story of Lazarus raised from the dead stands in Biblical history as a revelation of Jesus’ power over death that became ultimately proven on the resurrection morning of our Lord. Jesus had raised others from the dead, but this story unveils the significant message of His resurrection life for those who trust in Him. Jesus said of Himself, “I am the resurrection and the life.” He then offered that same resurrection life to anyone who would believe in Him: “the one who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
There are several life teachings from this amazing story of life over death. One such lesson reminds us that the promises of Jesus are never limited by our present circumstances. Even in the face of death, Jesus promised, “this sickness of Lazarus will not end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (John 11:4). So, take courage and hope from this. Your present crisis is no match for what God has already promised you through Christ our Lord.
The story of Lazarus also reminds us to trust Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense. Consider all that we can learn about trusting Jesus from the four days of waiting and the unexpected sequence of events described in John 11:6-17. When Jesus heard the news of Lazarus’ death, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was (v. 6). Can you imagine those who were waiting for Jesus to come? Can you imagine how they must have felt as Jesus seemed silent and non-responsive to their crisis? There are moments in life when we must trust God even when His timing doesn’t make sense. I realize there are moments you may feel as if God has not heard you, or that God is silent. One of my father’s favorite statements is, “God is never late and seldom early.” God’s timing is definitely not ours. Trust Him even when His timing doesn’t make sense, for His timing is perfect.
After the delay, Jesus said to His disciples, “let us go to Judea again” (the region of Lazarus’ home). The disciples protested this decision with the question, “the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, are you going there again? (v. 8).” The disciples seemed to have had a good point, as there were murderous threats, planned attempts, and even some spontaneous efforts against Jesus. Our Lord then offered a brief “parable-like” analogy of day and night to emphasize the present opportunity for God’s glory to be seen in a significant way:
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11:9-10)
So, the disciples understand the urgency for Jesus to travel to Judea, but the plan did not seem safe in the least. There are those moments when we must trust God even when His will and purpose does not seem safe. When God’s will and purposes take you to an uncomfortable place in life, trust Him anyway. When you feel that obeying Him might cost you something dear, trust Him anyway. Such trust always results in God’s blessings in the midst of the crisis. As the disciples learned, even when it does not make sense, trust Jesus. He is making Himself known to you in a more significant way than before. There can be no greater blessing. This is why Jesus spoke in verse 15, “I am glad I was not there (when Lazarus was sick) so that you may believe.” Little did the disciples know that Jesus was preparing them to more deeply understand the power of His life over death.
As Jesus informed His disciples that the reason for returning to Judea was the death of Lazarus (vv. 11-15), the narrative then turned to Jesus’ arrival in Bethany. As Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Four days! There are moments in life when we must trust God even when it seems too late – when it seems our circumstance is beyond hope. On one side of this story, the reality of death was significant (because Jews normally did not practice embalming, and decomposition most certainly had taken its course). On the other side of this story there was a call to believe in Jesus. This was without doubt a significant crisis of belief for all involved. Nonetheless, we know the end of the story! Amid such doubt and confusion, Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. And, from that point in history Jesus offers resurrection life today for all who trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
So, while you know the outcome of the story of Lazarus, you certainly cannot know the outcome of your present crisis? But you can trust the One who has proven He is the author of life and has given abundant life to you. You can trust Him indeed! So, even when God’s timing does not make sense, when God’s will seems uncomfortable and unsafe, and even when things seem too late for God’s intervention and beyond all hope, trust God anyway. TRUST HIM. If He holds resurrection power over death – and He does, then trust Him at this very moment. Do not simply attempt optimism. Trust Him with all your heart. Live today as if He has already resolved your crisis, supplied your needs, and brought resurrection power into your own life’s narrative. Because He has!
So today, trust in Jesus like never before. And watch as this moment in life becomes your present opportunity to see the goodness of our Lord like never before.
Blessings.
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Read John 11:38-46 and be encouraged to trust the Giver of life.
