As his historical record unfolds, Yahshua’s friend, John, gives us precious peeps into the private life of our Saviour. For example, there was a family in the small village of Bethany which was very dear to Him. John records, simply, that He loved them [John 11:5]. It was, therefore, astonishing to all the disciples that when Yahshua received an urgent summons to attend his friend’s sickbed He didn’t rush off at once, but stayed where He was for two more days.
Recently the word ‘when’ popped out at me from verse 6, “…when He heard…He stayed…”! Almost, I mused, as though the very fact that Lazarus was ill was the reason for His stay. After two days Yahshua said He would go to Judea. “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep,” He explained; “but I am going there to wake him up” [v11]. The bewildered disciples, worried that Yahshua was exposing Himself to danger by returning to Judea, protested that if Lazarus was sleeping he was getting better. “Lazarus is dead,” responded Yahshua baldly. Confusing the issue still more He added, “…for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” [v 11-15 italics added]. Those familiar with this story understand the statement. It’s a precursor to the astonishing event of Lazarus, already entombed for four days, being brought back to life by Yahshua’s thrilling command [v43-44].
This record is a clear illustration of the scripture, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways” [Isaiah 55:8]. Yahshua and His Father have a different viewpoint [1 Samuel 16:7]. They know the end as well as the beginning. “Sometimes,” writes Charles Spurgeon, “true love may think fit to make us wait.”
When we are waiting, however, it can seem endless, and even unfair. I have known times of instant answers to prayer, and times when answers took weeks, months or even years. It’s important to know that requests such as the one Martha sent on behalf of her brother, never go unheard! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares [Yahweh], “plans to prosper you and…to give you hope and a future” [Jeremiah 29:11].
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1 timothy 3:16 NIV - Beyond all question, the mystery from - Bible Gateway
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