A Messy Miracle continued

Autor Darlene J. Conard

“Lord if You would have been here my brother would not have died,” burst from her mouth. Unable to stay in silence the mourners began wailing. Trouble stirred within His spirit groaning within Himself. “Where have you laid him?”

“Lord come and see.” The mourners motioned Him to follow their lead. His own tears surfaced each step that took Him closer to the grave of Lazarus. In a whispering tone the mourners began conversing among each other. “Oh, how He loved him.” Another replied softly, “Could not this Man which opened the eyes of the blind, not heal this man- so he wouldn’t have died?” Jesus groaned within Himself as He stood in front of a blocked cave. “Take the stone away.” Shocked, Martha turned to Him as she stood by His side. “Lord by this time he will stink. He’s been dead for four days.” He unfixed His eyes from the tomb and onto Martha. “Didn’t I say that to you if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” She couldn’t say anything more. The men who walked with them approached the cave to roll away the heavy stone. Looking at each other His fellow disciples still did not understand. Lifting His eyes into the heavens Jesus began to pray. “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know You hear Me always. But because of the people who stand by I have said it, that they will believe You have sent Me.” His gaze in the heavens then fell to the opened grave entry. He simply said, “Lazarus come forth.” At the mouth of the tomb, he who was dead came forth. From head to foot, he stood before them dressed in graveclothes. Gasps arose from among the people as they saw Lazarus taking breaths. “Lose him and let him go.” Martha who stood by Jesus turned to around looking into Mary’s eyes. For a moment, the silence said what could not be. Hushed by the miracle all waited to see the image behind the graveclothes. Life and restoration revealed itself as the men removed the cloth covering his face. Lazarus opened his eyes seeing the face of His Redeemer. Lazarus lives because Jesus conquered the grave.

As King David wrote, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth,” Psalm 30:11 KJV

You may feel the Master has forgotten you. Remember this, His delays mean He has something greater up His sleeve. It will be a mess, but the aftermath is unforgettable!

You can read about Lazarus by clicking this link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011&version=KJV