John 11 When Lazarus became ill his sisters sent for Jesus, "Lord, behold he whom you love is sick."  They expected Jesus to come immediately.. or just say the word and Lazarus would be well.  They believed. They trusted. They prayed.  But.. Jesus did not come and Lazarus died.  They buried him.. they mourned him.. their lives would never be the same.  And still, Jesus did not come. 

For four long days, the sisters waited. 

Jesus had a different plan for Lazarus and for his sisters.  He knew that Lazarus would die.. but He knew that He was about to do something wonderful.. He would go and call Lazarus back to life.  He told His disciples.. " Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there so that you may believe; but let us go to him."  To Thomas, this was a call to their own deaths. But.. they chose to follow Jesus even then. They were learning that even death and life were in His Hands. 

Martha met Jesus on the way into town. She did not stop trusting Him.  But, she did not know what He could do.. Lazarus was dead and his body was decaying after 4 days in the tomb. She was willing to wait until the resurrection to see her brother again. But.. her heart was broken that Jesus had not come and healed Lazarus before it was too late.  Mary felt the same. Their tears were genuine and it broke His heart too... even knowing that what He was about to do. 

When Jesus told them to open the tomb, they hesitated.  Jesus told them to just believe. ".. if you believe, you will see the glory of God."  And so they did.  Jesus spoke and Lazarus came out of the tomb. 

Many saw this miracle and believed.  The chief priests and Pharisees saw and plotted His death.  One cannot be any blinder.. to see God glorified in a resurrected life and still not give Him glory. 

Father in heaven, You are the giver of Life and the authority over death.  There is nothing that is out of Your control.  No sickness, no grief, no pain, and not even death can overcome.. You are Sovereign and You are glorified!  Lord God, You see the hurting, the sorrowful, the helpless and the hopeless in our world.. and You know our grief.  The tears of Jesus are genuine.. flowing down along with  our own when sorrow overflows.. but You have promised to wipe away every tear and we long for that glorious day!  Hold us close to Your heart, Father. May the love and compassion of our Lord Jesus fill our hearts and lives today we pray. Thank You. amen.