John 11: 1-16

God’s ways vs. our ways; God’s timing vs. our timing. These are two of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life to reconcile. While we may not be so crass to say it out loud, too often our internal thoughts reveal our frustration because God does not do what we want done, when we want it done. I dare say that at least 90% of our frustration with our prayer life revolves around our efforts to get God to do what we want. As John sets the stage for the greatest miracle of Jesus, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is modeling for us how we can respond in faith to the uncertainties and demands of life.

The request for Jesus to go to Bethany created a conflict for Jesus. Bethany is on the Mount of Olives, just a few miles from Jerusalem. When Jesus left Jerusalem the religious leaders were seeking to arrest him and to stone him to death. For Jesus to return to the area of Jerusalem would have put him in harm’s way. While Jesus’ disciples feared for his safety, Jesus was calculating the time. Was it God’s time for him to return? Jesus resolved the conflict through prayer.

Jesus knew that no matter what happened to Lazarus God would be glorified. Therefore he did not let the circumstance determine his response. Jesus waited until the Spirit prompted him to return to Bethany.

Jesus did not react; he responded. That is what God wants us to do. God wants us to first think, then pray, and then obey the leading of the Spirit.

Jesus responded to every circumstance in his life out of his understanding of God’s will for his life. This is a good time for me to reflect on my life and to consider how often I react to people and happenings instead of responding out of God’s will for me.

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for 24-Mar-12      John 11:17-44

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