John 11- This Sickness Will Not End In Death

"This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God' glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." -Jesus

Jesus just received report that his friend Lazarus had fallen ill. It was obviously not merely a cold but a serious illness that was frightening his loved ones. We can assume that due to the nature of the sickness and the condition of Lazarus, they were concerned that he would not make it (otherwise they wouldn't bother Jesus with their request). But, it was a serious ordeal so they sent for Jesus to come and heal, and they waited anxiously for his response to the plea.

Surely, Jesus knew. He is all knowing and all powerful. He knew Lazarus was going to die. He knew it would be hard on everyone including himself. Yet, "he stayed where he was two more days." He hesitated. He didn't rush to their aid. He patiently waited two days while Lazarus grew worse and died. And his comment to his disciples shows us what he was up to, "this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified."

Obviously, Jesus could have healed him. He could have spoke a word like he did in the instance of the centurion's servant (Luke 7), and all would be well. But, Jesus used this opportunity to be glorified.

Are you experiencing this in your life? A sickness? Something that you just don't understand why it is happening? Here is the truth: God uses the brokenness of this world, He uses sin, He uses what at a glance appears horrible and painful and terrible to glorify His Son. Jesus is magnified by taking situations that seem bleak and hopeless and by turning them for good. Just like Joseph telling his brothers that sold him into slavery, "you intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many. (Genesis 50:20)" God uses the ill of this world to glorify His Son Jesus Christ. I know when you are in the middle of the situation and weeping, falling at the feet of Jesus and saying, 'if you would have been here, my brother would not of died' it can feel crazy and out of control. But, as you continue to pray and cling to Jesus I pray that you would see how He was at work the whole time. He is at work. He is being glorified by reconciling the world to himself by the shed blood on the cross (Colossians 1:20).

Jesus called Lazarus from the dead friends... talk about a hopeless situation!? Lazarus was in the tomb. It was done. It was over. But, Jesus is never done. It is never over! He calls Lazarus from the tomb and Lazarus is risen from the dead. Jesus will speak that word to you. "Arise my child, I am at work and I am drawing all men to me." Though the world is broken Jesus is glorified!