Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
You have heard it said, “Timing is everything.” That is certainly true when it comes to paying your bills on time to avoid penalties and interest or taking cookies out of the oven on time to keep them from burning. Problems arise when things are not dealt with in a timely manner. In John 11, there was a problem. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha and a friend of Jesus, was sick. Word was sent to Jesus, asking Him to come to Bethany, where he might heal His dying friend. However, Jesus delayed His departure for two days. When he did arrive in Bethany, Martha seems to have scolded Him. “If you had been here…” But Jesus had a purpose in His timing. The faith of Mary, Martha, and the disciples was being challenged. “Do you believe?” Jesus asked them. He then explained that if they believed, they would see the glory of God in a life-over-death miracle.
There are lessons from every one of Jesus’ actions. He showed His compassion, revealed His omnipotence through His power over life and death, and brought glory to the Father. Jesus’ declaration then is still true today, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” His question is, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).
Dr. Michael A. Milton, president of Faith for Living, wrote, “The resurrection ushers in hope, and assures us that what is hoped for is true and lasting.” In a world where hope can be challenging to find, you can be confident that the hope you hold through Christ Jesus brings the presence and peace of God, both now and in eternity. While the Lord’s timing might not be yours, remember that His is perfect… He is never late, and nothing hinders His plans.
Today’s Verse: John 11:40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
