WAITI love the story of Lazarus in John 11. I don’t know why, but it’s one of those stories that I can read over and over again and see something new every time. I love how in control of the situation Jesus is and how out of control Mary and Martha are throughout the entire thing.

Jesus basically let his friend die without even seeming a tad bit in a hurry to save the day.

It seemed like maybe Jesus wasn’t that concerned with Lazarus, but we know that’s not the truth. In fact, Jesus is so concerned that we actually read that he wept over the situation. Jesus was fully concerned about Lazarus… Jesus cared about His friend.

Jesus wasn’t concerned, though, with keeping Mary and Martha from worrying. In fact, he says in John 11:15…

“And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” (John 11:15 NLT)

Jesus was more concerned with showing his love and power than he was making Mary and Martha happy with his services. Jesus was about their heart and faith, not their peace and happiness.

God makes us wait sometimes because the same is true with us.

It’s in God’s late action that we have the biggest belief reaction.

In waiting on God to show up.
In waiting on Jesus to calm the situation.
In waiting on God to work the miracle.

We’re prepared to remember it longer and grow more.

If God seems delayed in your situation, know that he’s gonna show up and when He does, you’ll remember it.

Hold on.
Jesus is coming.


Comments

4 responses to “Why We Wait”

  1. Faith Jackson Avatar
    Faith Jackson

    Yes, yes, yes!!! When I was going through a heartbreaking divorce, I cannot tell you how many people thought they were comforting me by saying, “You’ll be okay, you deserve better, and God wants you to be happy.” These are NOT comforting words. I needed to hear what you have just said, that God is more concerned with my heart and faith. As I parent grown children, and assist in bringing up grandchildren, this is the philosophy I must believe – that the greater good is worth the temporal pain. You, Jonathan, are wise indeed – through Jesus.

    May your Christmas and the coming year get brighter and brighter with His presence.

    1. Thanks so much faith. Great hearing a personal story of this at play.

      Merry Christmas!

  2. Great insight. I love this account from Jesus’ life, too. And I love how Jesus meets Mary & Martha in their own ways. Mary just wants to cry, and Jesus cries. Martha wants to talk theology, and Jesus talks theology.

    Jesus makes us wait so that we trust Him, and then He meets us where we are.

    1. That’s really good stuff. I feel a “Part 2” to this post coming. :-)

      Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Leave a Reply to Jonathan Pearson Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *