Gleanings - John - Chapter 11

In chapter 11 of John, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.  He finds out that Lazarus is deathly ill, but chooses to wait to go to him knowing he will die.  He has an amazing reason, but no one knows what His plan is.  All they know is that He let His friend die and did nothing to stop it.  They knew Him as a miracle worker.  Why wasn't He doing anything?  He did say, 'This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it. (v4)'  But they could not comprehend why He was saying that.

Both Martha and Mary say to Him, when He finally does come, 'If You had been here, my brother would not have died. (vv21, 32)'  The crowd says, 'Could not He Who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying? (v37)'  This was all true, but He had a plan they did not know.

He wanted to help them know Him better.

He wanted to reveal the Father's glory and His glory through an amazing miracle, the biggest one yet.

He wanted to reveal His resurrection power.

He said to Martha, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? (v40)'

Then He proceeded to have the grave stone removed, despite Martha's protests.  Then in verse 43 He said:

'Lazarus, come out!'

This chapter is SO exciting!  Not just because someone was resurrected from the dead, but because we see Christ's amazing power in a seemingly hopeless situation.  I mean death is FINAL, isn't it?  Once someone has died we stop praying for them because it's too late.

But not for my Jesus!  He blew their minds and defeated even death.  Here temporarily.  Later, when He resurrected Himself, He defeated death's power over us FOREVER!!!

This story gives me such hope.  Hope to persevere in faith when I don't know what the plan is.  When my situation looks hopeless.  When I don't understand what He is doing or why He isn't answering my prayers the way I want Him to.  I can cling to His promise to Martha that if I believe, I will see His glory.  I believe, Lord, help my unbelief!

Glory!  Hallelujah!!!