God's Timing (Pt. 2)

(Part 2 of 2)

“Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”-John 11:3-4

Although we discussed God’s timing in the raising of Lazarus, there may be something more that we have overlooked in this story. What was the ultimate outcome Mary and Martha were hoping for? Lazarus’s healing?

What did Jesus say that the ultimate outcome would be? Jesus said that Lazarus’s healing would bring glory to God and that the Son of God would be glorified through it!
What is more important? That God is glorified or that our needs are met in the manner, time, and plan that we hope?

Our Chronos time does not always meet up with God’s Karios time. Sometimes they parallel each other, but God is always more concerned that the moment is ripe for His glory than He is making sure that all He does lines up with our time schedule.

“Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”-John 11:38-40

Jesus was at the tomb when he ordered the stone to be removed. Martha chimes in, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Martha was still focused on how the time for Lazarus’ healing has passed, however Jesus reminds her of the real objective.

“Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”-John 11:40

What if it brought God greater glory to delay giving you what you asked for and when you asked for it? Which is more important? His glory or your need being met? Lazarus was ultimately healed, but only when it brought God the greatest glory; not because God has a giant ego, but so that our faith might be stretched, increased and multiplied:

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.”-John 11:41-42

Mary and Martha believed that Jesus could heal the sick, but now they believed He could raise the dead! That would not have been so if He had shown up 4 days earlier.

So, what have you been asking God to do? Are you simply interested in your need being met? Are you concerned about the glory of God? Don’t settle for a healing, when God has a resurrection in store for you!

Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church