I AM: Discovering the Nature of Jesus!
Monday, March 22, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear God, I thank you that you alone know what is best for me. I know your ways are much higher than my own and that your timing is perfect. I admit that I have a hard time understanding why you want me to wait, but I know that in the end you will be glorified. I trust you Lord -- that even though the fulfillment of your promises might be delayed in my understanding, they will never be denied. You are true to your words. Help me to trust you this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God's Word Today
John 11:4-7
"But when Jesus heard about it he said, 'Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God, will receive glory from this.' Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them. Finally after two days, he said to his disciples, 'Let's go to Judea again."
Reflecting on God's Word
How did Jesus feel about Martha, Mary, and Lazarus?
If this is true, why did he stay and not go to them immediately?
How long did Jesus wait to go to Judea (where they were)?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Does verse 4 help in our understanding as to why Jesus waited? How so?
Did Jesus answer Mary and Martha's request to "come"?
Is Jesus concerned about timing? Why?
Understanding God's Purpose
Why does God sometimes wait when he is capable of doing a miracle now?
Is God looking for a response from us while we wait? If so, what is it?
Is having to wait a sign that God does not love us? See verses 5-6.
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Are you waiting for something right now in your life? What is it?
If God could grant that desire right now, why do you think he is making you wait?
Although the previous question is very difficult to answer, could it be that it will be received at the time when He receives the most glory? What are your thoughts?
Thoughts
I can remember when I was a young child, before dinner I would often ask my mother if I could have dessert first. Her response was always "no." I had to eat a healthy meal before I could have any type of dessert. In fact, if I didn't eat the meal I would not get dessert. I had to learn the difficult lesson of waiting even at an early age. Waiting is something that is so difficult for many of us (especially in America) because we want to have everything now. We have drive-through restaurants, microwaves, high-speed internet, and hundreds of other gadgets to prevent having to wait. But, if there is ever a lesson that God wants us to learn, it would be waiting. Sometimes this is the most difficult lesson to learn.
In John 11, it says that after Lazarus fell sick, Jesus waited two days before he went to the family. Jesus did love Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (as verse 5 says He did), but the timing was very important. He loved them, but He waited. His waiting had nothing to do with his loving. The reason why Jesus waited in the situation -- and the reason He waits in our lives -- is because He wants to receive glory. God will often wait for the perfect time in which He receives the most glory before He does something, and it is often much different from our expectations. If you are waiting for something, trust the Lord to keep His promises; but wait for His perfect timing.
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