A Promise Keeper
As we examine St. John 11:1-4, on the surface we see deep grief and we can identify with the pain that Mary and Martha are experiencing from the loss of a loved one. When we examine those verses more closely, and look beyond the pain of loss, we see a redeemer shedding light on His authority over death.
It is not my goal today to tell you that Mary, Martha and Lazarus were religious people. I am here to tell you that they had a relationship with Jesus. We observe in the Scriptures that not only are the siblings close to each other (How refreshing to see siblings loving each other!), they loved Jesus. Jesus had been invited into their home and he “supped” with them. In other words, he dined with them and spent time with them.
How many relationship opportunities are missed when we do not even carve out a little time to spend time with the Lord by blessing what he has given to us. I’m not talking about the big things. I’m talking about “saying grace” before consuming anything to eat, whether it be a sandwich, fries or a milkshake. Such an action of “saying grace” develops within us the attitude of gratitude to a God who is blessing us and who will keep his promise.
As we look again at the text, we are reminded that these siblings, because they were believers and had a relationship with Jesus, had the right to expect some things. Ephesians 1:4-5 says they were chosen before the foundation of the world. Therefore, as a chosen people they had the attention of God who was concerned about their challenges.
They were walking in predestination as children of God through “the good pleasure of his (God’s) will.” Isaiah 65:24 says, “Even before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Better than a soulmate who can finish your sentences, God is omnipotent (knows everything)! God had heard their prayers. It is also important that today as Christians we have those same privileges.
God knows, and the Son of God knew, what was going on. Jesus said Lazarus’ sickness was not unto death. Jesus said Lazarus sleepeth. Then Jesus said Lazarus is dead. What happened?
You must read the message in context. Many people will pull out a word and start to quote that Bible verse and it sounds good, but they may not be able to use it in the true context. You must read the whole scripture and it is in that context clarity is received.
Jesus was headed to the cross and he said the Son of God would be glorified through Lazarus’ condition.
So, two things happened. First, Martha, though in deep pain over the death of her beloved brother, announced who Jesus was: the Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God! Secondly, Jesus arrives in Bethany and Lazarus is not only dead, but he has also been dead long enough for the body to start to deteriorate. He’s been dead for four days. Martha laid a firm foundation of faith by her proclamation to Jesus. Jesus asked Martha if she believed. Martha said, “I believe,” and Jesus called Lazarus from the grave. Lazarus was alive and not dead as perceived by family and friends. He was not dead, waiting for the general resurrection.
Jesus said he is the resurrection and the life. The love of Jesus does not spare us from the challenges that all men face, but Jesus showed by calling a deteriorating corpse to “come forth” from the grave that he has power over death. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and just as he called Lazarus by name, in the general resurrection he will call all believers by name, and they will live again.
“How can this be?” you say. Remember, not only did God form Adam from dust, but he is the same God who out of the nothingness of space created the dust that would become man.
Not only does God keep his promises, he is powerful enough (omnipotent) to keep any promise he makes.
Virginia Burchfield is pastor of St. James AME Church in Charleston.
