Lazarus of Bethany. Brother to Martha and Mary Magdalene and called a best friend of our Lord Jesus. These three siblings were friends of Jesus, and they were people Jesus loved. We need to remember Jesus walked as a man, he had friends, he laughed, wept, he got hungry and tired, but back to Lazarus.
Here we have a name that everyone recognizes, but he did nothing to make his name. His best friend did! The story of Jesus and the family of Lazarus in John, chapter three is a beautiful read.
John 11:3-6 NIV “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.’ Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days.”
What? He didn’t stop what he was doing and rush to his friends side! Nope, but he said this wouldn’t end in death, yet Lazarus died! This doesn’t seem godly, his friends trusted in him, had seen many miracles by their beloved Jesus’ hands. Where is he? Martha paces a path on the front room floor; Mary sat quietly at the window, seeking the sudden appearance of the face she knows and trusts.
Yet, he didn’t appear. He let our brother, his best friend die! Not only did he let him die he didn’t show up for the funeral. These two sisters were probably confused, hurt, mad, let alone suffering all the grieving emotions that accompany death. I imagine that none of this made sense.
If you read in the book of John, chapter three, verses 17-24, you will read of Jesus comforting Martha and Mary. Jesus himself, feeling the emotions of the death of a friend. John 3:35 NIV, “Jesus wept.”
What we are seeing is not indifference from Jesus. He wasn’t playing a sick game with Martha and Mary’s emotions. What he was demonstrating; is, we only see the moment we’re in, not the behind the scenes of our loving father working on our behalf. There may be stages or times where God seems uninvolved or very distant. Trust me he’s right beside you every step of the way. He has a plan, and just like with Lazarus, that plan is life.
I don’t know what you’re going through, but if it’s a season of storms, reach out and hold the hand that calms the storms. Psalms 107:29 NIV “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.”
You may be in a season of enjoying warm balmy breezes. Colossians 3:15 ESV “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Whatever your season brings, bring Jesus along with you; he’s the Best of Best Friends!!! Be blessed and be a blessing. Thank you for joining me. 🥰
Sunshine On My Shoulder 