John 11:1-7
Vs. 6: “Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days.”
We recognize emergencies when we see one. When a loved one is sick, we often worry until we see the danger is past.
“Send a message to Jesus right now—today!” Mary pleaded to her sister, Martha.
“You’re right, Mary, Lazarus is getting worse” Martha said. She sent this message to Jesus, “Lord, the one whom you love is sick.”
Can you see them pacing back and forth, wringing their hands, anxious for Jesus arrival?
Two days later, Lazarus died.
Jesus waited two more days before returning to Judea.
Why did Jesus wait before going to help his friends?
Silence gets our attention. Jesus had a bigger blessing in mind. His ways are always for our benefit—even when we accuse Him of being slow. Patience is learned behavior.
Silence teaches trust. Mary and Martha expected Jesus to heal Lazarus.
Martha proclaimed (we can almost see the tears streaking down her face as she says) “Yes, Lord…I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who has come into the world.” (Vs. 27).
Jesus’ purpose for waiting before rushing to Lazarus’
side was to teach. By raising Lazarus from the dead, He displayed His own resurrection prophesies. (Mark 9:31-32). Leading Lazarus from his tomb prepared them for seeing Jesus alive following His own death.
Even though Jesus delayed, He answered their plea and exceeded expectations.
There will be times of dire stress in our lives. Sometimes we can only hear our racing heartbeat as we pray. God’s silence can be frustrating and frightening. Scripture comforts us with this promise in Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Would your faith waiver if your prayers seem to fall on deaf ears?
Take Home Nugget
Matthew 17:20 says that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Imagine how tiny our faith must be when we give up on the Lord!
Though sometimes God is silent, He is working on our behalf. His perfect timing aligns His plan with our blessing.
Giving up on God is a grave mistake!
When the Lord is silent, pray on.
When nerves are frazzled, pray on.
Pray on in majesty, pray on in faith.
Don’t give into the devil’s lies, pray on!
J.D. Griffith
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