2 October | Youth
«I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.» John 11:25
In the city of Bethany, there was a family that Jesus loved very much, made up of the siblings Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Of all the places Jesus went, this was the most appreciated, because He felt at home and free from the persecution of religious leaders. One day, a messenger from Bethany brought the following news to Christ: “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Interesting, right? Friends of Jesus also suffer! This reveals to us that the fact that we follow Christ and welcome Him into our home does not make us immune to problems.
Upon receiving the news, the Master replied: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God” (v. 4). It seems like this answer did not make any sense. How can a sickness be for the glory of God? Would not healing be the reason for the glory of the Lord? To make matters worse, after receiving the sad message, Christ remained where He was for two days. Think about it: if a friend of yours was on the verge of death, wouldn't you visit him? But Jesus remained where He was.
Sometimes we have the impression that God is late, oblivious to our problems, while we suffer in search of solutions. But this story teaches us that He is in control of the situation. Christ acts at the right time, in the right way, for the good of those who love Him. With all the certainty of the universe, Jesus said: “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up” (v. 11).
When He arrived in Bethany, the atmosphere was one of commotion. A crowd mourned the early death of Lazarus, along with the sisters Mary and Martha. Then Mary prostrated herself at the feet of Jesus and exclaimed, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 32). These words touched Jesus' heart. Next, we find the Creator crying (v. 35). What a moving scene! God sympathizes with human suffering. Jesus then ordered them to remove the stone from the tomb. Then He shouted: “Lazarus, come forth!” (v. 43). To everyone's astonishment, the dead man immediately revived, causing a mix of reactions from the spectators.
God is never late. For everything there is a right time. If today you expect an answer from Jesus, just trust. At the exact time He will act.