Rev Linda Mootry-Dodd
Associate Pastor of Visitation Ministries
John 11:1-45

⁴When Jesus got the message, he said, “This sickness is not fatal. It will become an occasion to show God’s glory by glorifying God’s Son…Lazarus died. ¹⁵And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing. (The Message)

This is a long passage of scripture that I invite all to read slowly during this Lenten season of reflection, remembering, repentance and renewal. I invite you to pay attention to every word that Jesus speaks in this passage. In fact, write down on a separate sheet of paper, every word that Jesus speaks. Then on a separate column, write down every other person in this passage, and what they speak or how they respond in this passage. This was a wonderful exercise for me, as I prepared this devotion.

I found the church leaders - the 12 disciples, arrogantly doubting God. They doubted his power, his position, and even his plan, as they journeyed with him, for 3 years toward Calvary.

His close friends doubted his omniscient, all knowing, omnipresence, all present and even his omnipotence, all power. Even though Mary sat at his feet and heard His Word earlier. Martha had cooked for Jesus and overheard his conversations many times, yet now, as his closest friends, they both felt he arrived too late for Lazarus; they doubted.

The crowd and congregation, that had been followers of Jesus ministry everywhere he went, some who witnessed and believed, (read verse 37) some out of habit or others as haters, now, all spoke words of nay-sayers, doubters and those who had a general pessimistic or negative view of what was happening before their eyes.

As you continue reading this passage, you will see how this story ends. However, reflect on your own story and life’s situations. When life gives you an occasion to show Gods glory by glorifying God's Son, where do you fall in this story? Do you arrogantly doubt God? Do you forget His past blessings and how He answered your last prayer? Are you just generally negatively pessimistic, feeling your way in darkness, with no light of hope? Are you filled with sadness, depression, wringing your hands crying “if only?”

Let’s look to Jesus for our strength, no matter what happens in the days ahead, (in this life you will have troubles), by God’s grace, we will take our trial on as “new ground for believing” that Jesus will work it out.

Prayer 

Dear God, forgive me for ever doubting You. Please empower me to always trust You. Help me, dear God, to remember all that You have already done for me.

Thought for the day 

“Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”