By: Shirley Mathis
At times our situations seem bleak and our hearts lay bare. No matter what we try to do or say nothing seems to help. I am sure Mary and Martha felt that way when Jesus did not immediately respond to them when they sent for him and told him “whom you love is sick and their brother Lazuraus had died.”
Upon hearing those words, Jesus indicated, “This sickness is not unto death but for the Glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified.” John 11:4
We know the rest of the story written out in John 11. Jesus did return to Judea even though the Jews sought out to stone him. Jesus was on a mission to wake up Lazarus, his brother that he loved regardless of the tragedy that may have beheld him upon entering the town.
Jesus put it to his disciples: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
When Jesus arrived in the city, Mary met him, and Jesus inquired about his beloved brother. Martha said to him, “Lord,” if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask.” When Jesus saw her weeping, he wept. His weeping did not keep Him in a state of sulkiness. I see Jesus moved by compassion and love as He simply moved forward to accomplish His mission.
I have also wept over situations in my life, but unlike Jesus, I did not press on in my walk with God like I needed to. I sulked. When I was told that my younger sister had left the residence where she was living and the police were out looking for her, I was beside myself, because I felt helpless. She had previously had a stroke, and her short-term memory was not good. She was unable to find her place of residence. So she was just out there, alone. By the grace of God, she was found and returned home. Shortly after that, she had a massive stroke, which left her at the mercy of others. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” ultimately for His glory. It was hard getting past that truth and that promise. I felt dead in my heart for my sister, and my walk with Jesus was bleak.
After meeting with Mary in the town of Judea, Jesus asked where they had laid Lazarus’ tomb, and he was taken to the cave where a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha said, “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time, there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” reminding her of the message he had sent to her at least 3 days ago.
When they took away the stone Jesus lifted his eyes and said “Father I thank you that you have heard me.” Jesus kept it simple He did not go into elaborate words of thanksgiving and praise but he simply put, Father I thank you.
As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, ponder this:
What has God simply done for you? What has he done for you today, this past week, this month?
Take a minute to write it down and Thank Him.
Like Jesus, sometimes we just need to Keep it Simple, be reminded about His purposes and the grace that He gives us. The belief we can trust and believe because we are going to see His glory come through for His Glory.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise!
give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps 100:4