Quick Tips: God's Response
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Quick Tips: God’s Response
God is never late but He is seldom early. Read the passage below. When Jesus got the message of Lazarus’s sickness, first he offered encouragement. Then note that He waited two more days before leaving. You probably know the end of the story. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:1-6 (NIV) Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
When God does finally act, His purposes may not be ours. Mary and Martha’s purpose was for their brother to live longer. But what about poor Lazarus having to return to earth after being with God. Jesus had a grander purpose then just having Lazarus live longer. The act of raising Lazarus from the dead became a prophesy of things to come. It was also the event that stirred attention leading to Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Read the scripture below. Lazarus may not have lived that much longer. The chief priests also planned his death. We do not know the outcome.
John 12:9-11 (NIV) Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
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