17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.
We can be certain that no words are placed in Scripture as merely superfluous or as filler – each Word used has merit, carries meaning and is destined to pack a purposeful punch. This is why Jesus states the following regarding the pure treasure of Scripture in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew:
17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matt 5:17-18 (NIV)
Scripture states about Scripture:
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)
6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 (NIV)
Scripture makes plainly clear three things found in our verses for today: Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Bethany, where Lazarus lay, was only two miles from Jerusalem and many had come to comfort the mourning sisters over the death of their brother. The scene set was filled with sadness and lack of hope – I doubt many believed the situation was going to immediately improve – including Mary and Martha. Lazarus was dead, that was a fact, and the crowds had come to comfort. These are the makings ripe for a miracle. Certainly no one could contest that Lazarus was no longer living having been already in the tomb for days. The mention of Jerusalem being so close indicates to the reader the wondrous miracle would occur near the great city, a mere walk from the temple and perhaps even in view. There would also have been greater crowds to witness the finger marks of God in the raising of Lazarus hence the mention of many Jews already being there to comfort the sisters.
We have the benefit of seeing this story after the fact – hindsight being always 20/20. Perhaps we would do well to put on these sister’s sandals for a moment and try to feel what they were then living. Those four days must have been heart rending for both Mary and Martha. So many questions had to be going through their minds. Where was Jesus? Why had He not come when they called? Did He not love them? Did He not care about their circumstance, their dire plight? They had to have felt dejected, rejected and forlorn. Yet Jesus was entrusting to them the grace of His silence albeit at the time they had no idea of the preciousness of the gift. This intimacy of silence in the faith walk is given for the greater work of God to come forth. This brings much glory to God and strengthens and satisfies the pilgrim’s walk. Oftentimes we simply do not understand God’s ways – we seek His face, we find Him not.
14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" Job 26:14 (NIV)
Do not be confused, God is always with us even when we may not see or hear Him – He often waits to make us aware of both His presence and voice until the fullness of time for His wondrous workings. There is always purpose in the wait. I am reminded of blameless Job’s words in the midst of his fierce trials yet all the while clinging to his faith:
8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. Job 23:8-10 (NIV)
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; 27 I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27 (NIV)
“However devoted you are to God, you may be sure that He is immeasurably more devoted to you.” Meister Eckhart
These are faith growing times my friends and though we often run from rather than embrace them they are only allowed for our good and His glory. Interestingly, from Scripture we see God permits these periods in the lives of those nearest and dearest to Him and whose hearts desire was to go further still with their Master therefore they could be trusted with such a great gift as silence. And God proved faithful again and again. These examples are given to us who are now present sojourners so that we will not grow weary and lose heart as they encourage, equip and prepare us as well. Paul tells us in Romans:
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)
“And the only way to know the God of the Word is to know the Word of God.” Donna Evans