Lazarus, COME Forth

"Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.”
Luke 11:17

Jesus had a friend who was very near and dear to him. His name was Lazarus, and he was the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus was very sick, on his death bed when the sisters sent for Jesus. Their only thought was that the Lord could heal him. But when the messenger ran to Jesus, Jesus delayed where he was for two days. Lazarus’ family and Jesus were tight. Like superbly great friends, and Jesus made it a point to visit in their home often, so I can see you asking already. WHY DID HE WAIT? If it was one of our friends we’d be there in minutes, but Jesus delayed his arrival for four days.

By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Martha ran to him. And she cried LORD, If you had been here He’d still be alive. The pain is clearly written on her face. She’s broken. The grief was still fresh in her eyes. Jesus tries to explain to her that her grief will soon fade, that her brother would rise again. But Martha was missing the picture, so she ran back home and told Mary that Jesus was in town.

Mary ran to Jesus and fell at his feet. Between sobs, Mary cried, LORD, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died. And I love what the Bible says next. When Jesus saw her weeping, he groaned in the spirit and was troubled. Jesus was upset about Lazarus’ death too, he was upset that Mary and Martha were upset. And then Jesus asked where Lazarus lay. Verse 35 depicts the shortest Bible verse. JESUS WEPT, and the crowd said Behold, how he loved him.

Jesus commanded Roll away the grave stone. And Martha said, BUT LORD. He’s been there four days. Jesus prayed out loud to his Holy Father. When he had finished, Jesus cried out in a loud voice. Lazarus, Come Forth! And Lazarus, the one who had been dead for four days, walked out in his grave clothes.

Imagine how exciting that moment would be. Jesus knew exactly what he was doing, but he still felt the grief that was caused by the things he had to let happen. Imagine how hard it was for him to wait those two days instead of running to Lazarus’ side.

You may be going through some rough spots right now, you may have cried out to the Lord, and he didn’t answer. But know this, when the time is right, he will come, roll away the stone and call out your name. Take comfort in knowing that even when the Perfect Healer is four days late, he’s still on time.

Surrounded by grace.
Emily.