He’s gone.
He’s really gone.
If only Jesus had been here.
Tears streaming down her face, Mary looked at the mourners. Their wailing gave voice to the emotions bubbling inside her.
Where was Jesus? We sent word two days ago!
Mary saw her sister Martha come into the room. Mary squinted. Martha looked different. Almost peaceful. Martha approached her, speaking quietly, “The teacher is here, and He’s asking for you.”
Mary’s heart lifted as her feet fairly flew to meet Jesus. He’s here! And then she remembered. And now, it’s too late. Lazarus was gone.
But oh, to see Jesus! Hurriedly she dashed down the path until she saw Him. As her grief carried her to Him, Jesus watched with sorrow in His eyes. She collapsed at His feet, lamenting His timing with her tongue. “Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Jesus watched her, and looking up at the approaching mourners, His heart hung under the display of agony.
“Where have you laid him?” He asked her.
Jesus followed Mary to the tomb, the crowd accompanied them. Stopping before the sealed stone, He wept.
He then asked for the stone to be moved. At Mary’s protest, He shook His head. After the rock was rolled away, Jesus stood before the open tomb and spoke to God: “Father, I thank You that You have heard me. I knew that You always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You have sent me.”
Then Jesus spoke with authority, “Lazarus, Come out.”
The wailing stopped. Mary held her breath. Jesus smiled.
Lazarus appeared, grave clothes still hanging from his appendages. After a moment of shocked silence, a murmur arose. Then laughter.
Lazarus was alive!
(Taken from John 11)
Mary had asked for Jesus to come, to make things right. But Jesus didn’t show up in her timing. The worst happened; her biggest fears came true. Her dear brother was gone.
She must have been shocked. Angry. Numb. I wondered if her heart asked, How could you take him, God?
Yet, when Jesus finally showed up, she ran to Him! She knew He would be her greatest source of comfort. Somehow, she didn’t allow her anger or frustration over the events she knew He could have prevented, keep her away from Him.
She reached out to Him.
She didn’t give up on Him, denounce Him, or turn her back on Him.
Somehow, she trusted Jesus.
She trusted Him with her broken heart.
Sometimes, when we don’t know what to do, He’s waiting with a miracle.
The miracle this time was He actually restored life to her brother. It’s also a miracle when He restores trust to a broken heart, hope to a distraught mind or peace to a dying soul.
Mary knew Jesus could be trusted.
No matter how hurt,
How angry,
How distraught she was.
She knew she could run to Him and He would care for her.
Do we share that faith? The faith that no matter what, I know I can carry anything to Jesus and He will help me through it?
He wants to help each of us develop that kind of faith. It’s a journey. And He’s will to walk with us on it the entire way. We only need to invite Him. Will you join me in asking Him for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know You are still doing miracles today. You may not always perform the miracle I ask; but You are working miracles all the same. Sometimes, it the miracle of a changed heart, or a deeper faith introducing me to the God I never knew. You know the miracle I need right now. I trust You Lord, I know You are the only comfort I need. Help me come to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.