John 11:14-16

With plainness and exactness of speech, Jesus states frankly to His disciples, “Lazarus is dead”. Our Lord goes in a progression from simple sweetness in a language of beauty, to stark reality in communicating to His guys their friend Lazarus’ condition. He first begins with “Let us go back to Judea”; followed with “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up”; and ending with plainly stating “Lazarus is dead”. Sometimes, like these disciples, we just have to be hit right between the eyes with the plain and solid Truth sans the cloaking of gentleness and sweetness. Lazarus had died and Jesus was going to go raise him from the dead and apparently that was the furthermost thing from His disciple’s minds.

“I do not work only in cases where there are no obstacles; but I glory in overruling the prevailing circumstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where no victory is anywhere in sight.” Frances J. Roberts

Often, like these first disciples, we seem to place Jesus on a level playing field with ourselves while He stands alone - so far above - and so totally Other. Every action our Lord does has meaning and purpose and is wrapped in love whether we are able to discern this or not. He is, and always has been, all about building faith among His followers which ultimately brings glory to His Father. Unbeknownst to His disciples in our verses for today, He was about to exponentially grow their faith and trust – not to mention others as well - yet they remained clueless. I fear we oftentimes do the same. To believe more and trust more is the hallmark of Christian growth yet we often spurn the methods of achieving them in our lives. Believer, we must never wonder if God has our best interest at heart.

“We must believe there are wise reasons why God does not come to our help at once and take the suffering away...To believe more and trust more, is the real secret of Christian growth, progress, and prosperity. To make us believe more is the end of all Christ’s dealings with us.” J. C. Ryle

A wonderful example of this fleshed out is the great missionary to the orphans George Muller - a man of great faith and prayer. Of him it is written the following:

“Gradually God’s providence led Mr. Mueller to the sphere of his life’s work. Now at Bristol, after the young minister’s soul had been strengthened by eighteen months of trust for the success of the Institution, God was ready to thrust him forth into his real mission. Other activities were but preparatory to the orphanage work. God had at length through the devious paths of providence faith-energized a man to who He could trust this important activity.” Basil Miller

The Word of the Lord penned by the prophet Jeremiah comes to mind:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13 (NIV)

This is why the Bible so clearly teaches we are to set our hearts and minds on things above rather than on our circumstances. We are to rest secure in Him as we walk through our valleys and He will take us form strength to strength. We are to be dominated by the pattern of heaven – which brings God much glory and us much satisfaction. This gives eternal direction to our earthly duties as well. Paul tells us in Colossians:

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Col 3:1-4 (NIV)

“A fixed, constant attention to the promises, and a firm belief in them, would prevent solicitude and anxiety about the concerns of this life. It would keep the mind quiet and composed in every change, and support and keep up our sinking spirits under the several troubles of life...Christians deprive themselves of their most solid comforts by their unbelief and forgetfulness of God’s promises. For there is no extremity so great but there are promises suitable to it, and abundantly sufficient for our relief in it.” Samuel Clarke

“Our satisfaction and contentment in life does not come from riches but from righteousness.” Robert J. Morgan

Seemingly ever ready to look on the dark and negative side of things, Thomas blurts out that alas they will all die with Lazarus. He takes the worst possible view and spreads doubt and fear among his hearers. Thomas’ thoughts evidently gravitated towards the expectation of receiving harsh treatment from the Jews upon their arrival. He therefore states his gloom and doom spreading the downer venom to his hearers. He apparently is the chicken little of the group – always ready for the sky to fall. Interestingly, Scripture does not note a response from our Lord.

“Let it be noted that a man may have notable weaknesses and infirmities of Christian character, and yet be a disciple of Christ. There is no more common fault among believers, perhaps, than despondency and unbelief. A reckless readiness to die and make an end of our troubles is not grace but impatience.” J. C. Ryle

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12 (NIV)