CONFUSING
TEXT: Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany … So the sisters sent to [Jesus], saying, “Lord, he whom You love is ill …” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in the place where He was. (John 11:1a, 3, 5-6)
There are times when Jesus behaves so much like God in heaven that it drives me crazy. This is one of them. His dear friend Lazarus is dying, and the family is begging Him to come-so what does He do? He stays two days longer somewhere else.
What? Why do that? By the time He finally gets there, Lazarus has been dead four days! And the only explanation He gives is to His disciples: “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:14b-15a). He doesn’t explain Himself to Martha or Mary. And they’re both upset with Him.
Of course we know how the story ends-Jesus does raise Lazarus from the dead, and the family is overjoyed. But what do they do with the question marks about Jesus’ choices? The same thing we do when it seems like God isn’t answering our prayers. They trust Him. They don’t understand, and they may be angry, but they still trust Him.
Jesus says to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25b-26) she does, and we do – because we know His heart.
WE PRAY: Lord, You died and rose again to save us. That1s enough for me, even when You confuse me. Amen.
——————– Reflection Questions
• When has God confused you by His choices?
• How do you deal with that?
• How does Jesus’ death and resurrection help you trust His love?
Responses