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John 11:32-54 <- Click to read now
So much happened during the events within this passage. Even when we have the words in front of us, it feels like it’s all a blur. Sickness leading to death, tension leading to resolve, doubt leading to anger, sorrow leading to blame, fear leading to murderous plots; all the while Jesus is in the midst of bringing new life through the miraculous raising of a very dead Lazarus.
There was a bigger picture to see. This man, Jesus Christ, had the power of God within him to restore life. This man, Jesus Christ, is God incarnate. Jesus had already restored life to the dead through miraculous healings in the past, but those around Jesus couldn’t see this bigger picture taking shape. All they could do was point fingers and shift blame.
At this point, Jesus was so close to his own death and resurrection but everybody around him was still caught up in these other things. Time was running short. Mary and Martha finally figured it out, and many others believed in Jesus because of what they had seen that day, but those who were actively rejecting him just solidified their rejection even more. Today, let’s just pray in reflection of this.
Heavenly Father, help us to realize time is running short. Each day we have is a gift, and it is not guaranteed for any of us. Help us to realize eternity in Your presence far outweighs all these other things we might struggle with. There is no loss too deep that it changes Your love for us, there is no struggle too painful that it takes away Your promises. Help us to always be thankful for Your love and power, and help us to keep our eyes on the bigger picture of Your grace through Jesus and what he has done for us. Amen.