Dear Disciple,
When he heard [that Lazarus was sick], 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 11:4
Your Master can be very unpredictable. As kind and powerful as He proved to be throughout His mortal ministry, it would have been only natural that He would quickly heal His friend Lazarus. Instead, He chose to stay where He was for two more days; in the meantime, Lazarus succumbed to his sickness and died.
Why would the Master do that? Why would He choose to allow a close friend to die when He had the ability to save him? He assured His disciples that God would be glorified through what was coming; death would not triumph.
Lazarus’ sisters and other Jews who were watching what happened also wondered why Jesus didn’t come to help His friend. He who did so much for strangers failed to rescue the one He loved (11:3).
Can you sympathize, Disciple? Have you had times of confusion and questions when you expected the Master to do something but He didn’t? Has He ever surprised you in what He did or did not do? Have you ever read something He said and disagreed or wished He had said it differently? Fear not; you’re in good company.
Trusting Jesus does not mean always understanding or agreeing with Him. It does mean following His lead even when you don’t understand or agree. Notice that the disciples questioned Jesus’ decision to return to Judea (where Lazarus was). Thomas even spoke, either sarcastically or courageously, of following Jesus to His death there (11:16). They did go with their Master, though, didn’t they? They did honor their commitment to follow Him wherever He went.
This is an important example for you today, Disciple. Your wise, good, and strong Master is in charge. Feel free to admit your questions, confusion, and disagreements, but always do so as you trust and follow Him. He will not always explain Himself to you, but He will always prove Himself to you. What’s more, He will often delight you with what He does. Consider this: instead of seeing a sick man healed, the disciples and the crowd saw a dead man raised to life.
What does the Master have in store for you as you follow Him today? It may not be what you expect, but it will be good!
Trusting His wisdom and goodness with you,
Ryan
