John 11:40-42 NIV ~ “Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” [41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
We have all read and re-read the story of when Lazarus died and what and how Mary and Martha felt about it. They knew Jesus loved him and they sent for Him, and they believed that their brother would not have died if Jesus would have been there. And when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He didn’t move right of way, as a matter of fact He stayed two additional days where He was. Jesus did not get there on time, according to what man thinks, but know this, God’s timing is not your time and Lazarus died. Jesus told His disciples that He was glad about it for their sake, so that they may believe. (It’s like us, somebody can tell you what happened, and you may or may not believe it, but you will believe it when you see it with your own eyes, it’s something when you see something for yourself) John 11:15!
And when Martha heard that Jesus was near, she went out to meet Him. She said if you would have been here, he would not have died. Jesus told her that he would rise again and then He asked her a question, Do You Believe? She said yes, she knew He was the One and that Lazarus would be rise again in heaven, she believed but she really didn’t believe! (Oh, but when you see it with your own eyes, you will believe!)
Then Martha went and got Mary, Jesus was asking for her, and she went and fell at His feet and said, if You would have been there, my brother would not have died. I’m sure that if you were in Martha and Mary’s place you would have felt the same way, only if Jesus would have only come earlier, he would still be alive. (What do you need to come back alive) They knew that Jesus had the power to heal, and they just didn’t understand why He didn’t show up when they needed Him. (Have you ever felt that way?) Jesus always has a greater plan, He knew that there would be grief by His not going to heal Lazarus right away, but His plan would cause more to truly see Him and all of the Glory of God! You must trust God’s Word and timing even when you don’t see it! Jesus wants you to see His Glory in its fullest!
You have to wait on God, and I know waiting might not be your thing, but it is the best thing! (Psalm 25:5!) I know that you have been praying for a long and you may be tired, but I want to encourage you to not give up! The Bible tells us that when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit will step in and pray for us (Romans 8:26-27). So, if you have reached the place of not knowing what to pray, ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you and to pray on your behalf!
When Jesus heard Mary weep, it moved Him in His Spirit, and He was troubled to the place that He did something about it that nobody else could do! Lazarus was dead! I said all of this, and took you back to the story of Jesus raising Lazarus back to life to tell you about verse 40, Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” The Words that Jesus speaks can turn your deepest, darkest grief and despair into a bright and shining hope, all you have to do is Believe!
So, I’ll ask you this question again and only you can answer this for yourself, do you believe? Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” Then with a loud voice, Jesus says three words: “Lazarus, come forth!” (Whatever you believe died because Jesus didn’t come when you thought He should, but this morning if you can believe you can hear Jesus saying to whatever your Lazarus is to “Come Forth!”) Just know what you saw today had nothing to do with you, or your own efforts, it was all Jesus, He has brought it Forward, and it was for you to see His Glory in action! It’s all because of Jesus and your faith in Him, and to believe in Him is what moved Him for you to see His Glory!
Don’t fear what you don’t know, it’s the perfect stage for God’s Glory to be revealed in your life. We talk about seeing the Glory of God, but have you stopped long enough to really see the Glory! Where is your Faith, don’t you say that you live by it and not by your sight? 2 Corinthians 5:7! I’m going to say it again, The Road Has Opened Up, But Through No Efforts Of Your Own! Your Faith to Believe in Jesus is what set the stage for what you are seeing today! Your sight has enabled you to see the Glory of God! Now what do you Believe, who do you Believe?
Let’s Pray:
Thank You Father. Today I cry out Abba Father and in the Name of Jesus, may Your Holy Spirit live on the inside of me. Father, please create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me, that my walk and my ways align with You! Father, help me to accept Your timing in all things and that I will always have hope. Father, help me to remember that You always have something better in mind for me. Father, help me to see You, even when I can’t see the big picture, I know that You can, and I can trust Him. Father, I yield to You, and I know that You will bring good out of it. May Your plan be fulfilled through me in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Blessings…
Minister Jean
