| devotional by: Laura Story |
Added: 03-26-2008 |
Make Something Beautiful
“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." John 11: 1-4
Most of us are familiar with the story of Lazarus. I’ve always wanted to rename it the story of Mary. I know that Lazarus is the one who died and was resurrected by his good friend Jesus but there is so much more in the life of Mary to which I can relate. We are told that she and Jesus were fairly close. We read that she anointed his feet with oil and washed them with her very own hair! So when Lazarus becomes ill, you can almost hear the conversation between Mary and Martha. “Just call Jesus. He’s a family friend. I’m sure He’ll drop everything and run to the rescue.” But the text reads differently. Jesus actually stays two days longer in the place where He was and then comes to see Lazarus. During that time, we read that Lazarus takes a turn for the worse and dies. Can you imagine the great disappointment in Mary’s heart? She had believed in Him, even making herself a public spectacle by worshipping him and, when she needs Him the most, He is nowhere to be found.
The story continues with Jesus arriving on the scene. When he meets Mary, Martha and the rest of the mourners, he simply weeps. I believe that He cries tears of compassion, not as one who is weak and helpless but as a Father whose heart breaks with the hearts of His children. Then, when no one is expecting it, he simply calls out, “Lazarus, come forth.” And at that moment, Lazarus is resurrected, emerging from the tomb as He shakes off death’s chains like the literal cloths around his hands and feet. Jesus wasn’t, in fact, late; He was right on time.
I think the reason I love this story so much is because, like Mary, I often find myself frustrated with God’s timing. I ask for things from the Lord and want them immediately. When I do not quickly get the answer I desire, I suspect Him of being distant or uncaring. Rarely do I notice that in my moments of waiting, Jesus is right there waiting as well, maybe even weeping alongside of me. Might it be that only in His mercy does He withhold from me the things for which I ask? Can I, a finite creature, possibly know what is best for me?
Lord, may my heart be like that of Mary, so that whether worshipping or weeping, I would draw near to You. Please display Your glory in my life even when I’m afraid.
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