John 11:1-16
Be Still: Lord, this time is yours. Help me to be present to you. Amen.
Read: John 11:1-16
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days. (vv5,6)
Encounter: Sorry - did I read that right? Jesus heard Lazarus was gravely ill SO he stayed where he was two more days! How do we account for this puzzling delay?
Firstly, Jesus had just escaped by the skin of his teeth from the Jews in Jerusalem who were intent on killing him. Jesus knew it was not yet his time to die so should he now return to Bethany, two miles from Jerusalem, into the lion's mouth? Secondly, he knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead and that would inflame still further the Jewish leaders. Was it time to do that?
But why only two days delay? We are not told this, but we can be certain that Jesus spent those two days in prayer, in communion with his Father, seeking his perfect will and way? And then, fully prepared, he tells his disciples it's time to go back to Judea. But it's not their preferred timing -- they object, reminding him (as if he needed reminding!) of his recent 'near death miss'. He'll be killed if he goes back.
Accompany me, Jesus says, and you'll walk confidently in the light of day. Thomas, bless him (I'm so grateful for Thomas) tells the other disciples they might as well follow Jesus back and die with him (and Lazarus).
Apply: Do you find God's timing puzzling in your own life? Why isn't he acting now? Surely it's the right timing? Tomorrow will be too late. Isn't he listening? Do you, like me, when you analyse your own prayer requests, realise rather shockingly that you are often telling God what he should do and when/how he should act? I know I'm guilty of offering God my solutions and asking him to make them happen.
And our good, kind, understanding God wants us, encourages us, to make our requests, small and large to his always listening ear - but he asks us to trust him for the timing of the answers. He really does know best.
Devote: Lord, help me trust your plans and your timing.