IT MAY NOT LOOK LIKE FAVOR, BUT IT IS!!!

“…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21, 32 KJV).

*

There are events and experiences that test our faith or dependency upon God's Word to the utmost. It is perfectly normal to question God’s TIMING, DELAYS, and seemingly ABSENCE in our situation and circumstances, especially during certain trials and tribulations.

Both Martha and Mary made the SAME remark. about God's ABSENCE during their trial and tribulation with their brother, Lazarus. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21, 32 KJV).

Let’s be honest, Jesus does NOT always TURN the situations, circumstances, or experiences around to your DESIRED expectation. “…"Father, if you are willing, TAKE THIS CUP FROM ME; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus does not and will “NOT” always do what you want, desire, expect, or prefer and he certainly DOESN'T do it"WHEN" you want, desire, expect, or prefer.  “…if thou hadst been HERE …” (John 11:21 KJV).

It is usually “YOUR” will and “NOT” God’s will that YOU truly favor. “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). BECAUSE: “…I seek NOT mine own will…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  

It is obvious Martha and Mary had an attitude spawned from grief and disappointment. Believers usually get emotional and opinionated when God doesn’t DO what “they” thought would be the best solution or outcome in the difficult situations, events, experiences, or circumstances of their life. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Do some believers prefer God to submit to “their” will and desires? Deep inside, do they want to control the outcomes of their events and experiences instead of God? When God doesn’t “DO” what they WANT why do believers get upset? “…For I have come down from heaven “NOT” TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).

Getting upset over the way certain situations turn out is normal, especially if you don't agree with the outcome. In addition, getting an attitude about HOW the situation turned out reveals whose DESIRED will was truly prevalent: yours or God’s. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

It is obvious Martha and Mary DID “NOT” want their brother to DIE and “KNEW” Jesus could have prevented it.

It is always the believer’s choice to submit to God’s will. Therefore, “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…If the Lord will, [YOU] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).

Martha and Mary, most likely, cared for their brother during his sickness. They were probably at his bedside when he died or took his last breath.

They may have helped prepare the body for the Jewish burial by wrapping the linen grave clothes on his dead body.

They also attended his funeral service and saw the stone roll shut over his tomb. They also fellowshipped with friends and family during the repast. 

By the time Jesus showed his presence they had been mourning, with friends and family, for four days. “…The Jews came to … comfort them (Martha and Mary) concerning their brother…” (John 11:19 KJV).

It is understandable - though they loved Jesus - why Martha and Mary had an attitude toward him and questioned "HIS" TIMING, DELAY, or seemingly ABSENCE.

It is God's timing, delays, and seemingly absences, that cause many to BURY their hopes, dreams, and prayers along with the DEAD. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother (my HOPE, my DREAMS, and my PRAYERS) had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

God has plans for his people. Plans to bless them with favorably outcomes. God is NOT trying to hurt his people or harm them. God promises you “hope” and a “future” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…I know the thoughts that I think toward you … to give you an expected end…” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).  “... For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).“... For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).

The DEATH of your HOPE, DREAMS, and PRAYERS is a weapon formed by the enemy to seriously cripple, or cause to waver, or totally STOP the believer's faith or dependency upon God.  HOWEVER, “…No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou  (God) shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

IF the enemy keeps pounding at your HOPE, your DREAMS, or your PRAYERS during long periods of TIME, DELAYS and God's seemingly ABSENCES, he is trying to steal, kill, and destroy your faith or dependency upon God.“…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).

When believer's bury their hopes, dreams, and prayers, the enemy thinks he has prospered and maybe the believer does too. However, the bible says, “…no weapon turned against you will succeed…” (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). “…no weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17 NIV). “..No weapon that is formed against you will prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 NASB).

Sickness, loss, disappointment, broken hearts, lifeless relationships, doubt, and death are events and experiences that, over long stretches of time, delays, and imagined absences; can make you abort your walk of faith over certain things. Nonetheless, “...ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” [WILL COME] ...TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

God did NOT say sickness, death, disappointment, or grief were GOOD, but he did say they would work together for GOOD. “...ALL “THINGS” work together …FOR GOOD...” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…[BUT] … in the PROCESS of “TIME”…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).

It is hard to see past pain, heartache, grief, and disappointment. Some situations and circumstances that process and end negatively can "NOT" possible work together for good, especially from a human perspective. Mary and Martha couldn't possibly imagine how Lazarus’ death could work together for GOOD?  BUT, “...Jesus … said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God …” (John 11:4 NASB).

Losing love ones to diseases, or accidents, or murder, or some other irrational, unapproved, horrible, or unbearable reason makes their deaths appear outside of God’s providence. “…Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell…” (Matthew 10:28 NIV).

Jesus died by crucifixion. The WORST and most PAINFUL kind of death during those times. “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV),

 Crucifixion was considered one of the most horrible forms of deaths, of its time, and was used on the vilest of criminals. “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

As cruel as crucifixion was, Jesus’ death was NOT outside of God’s providence? “….the Son of Man came  … TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Death, however it arrives, impacts everyone sooner or later. The bible tells us that Jesus’ death was God’s will. “…"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

The death of a loved one is hard enough to bear, and if their death is surrounded by the memory of a ravishing disease, or an unexpected event, or the cruelty of murder, or some other kind of unthinkable act or reason; it makes it worst.

During crucifixion the arms were stretched wide open, along a wooden cross-beam, where nails were driven into the center of the palms with a mallet. “..They cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.…” (John 19:1-16 KJV),

Another nail was driven through both feet. When the cross was lifted off the ground the weight of the body tore at the flesh around the nailed hands and feet. “…Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV),

Death by crucifixion was painful, shameful, physically excruciating, and torturous. Yet, God “…spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

Lazarus’ death had a purpose. Jesus’ death had a purpose.

Lazarus’ death was for the glory of God (display or revelation of God’s presence) so that God’s disciple’s faith (dependency upon him) might be strengthened. “…this sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…to the intent that ye may BELIEVE (depend upon me) ….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV).

Jesus’ death was also for the glory of God (the display or revelation of his PRESENCE) so that mankind might BELIEVE or depend upon HIM and be SAVED from their sins. “…Jesus to them… as my Father hath sent me…” (JOHN 20:19-21 KJV). “…Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

Since so many people benefit from the deaths of Lazarus and Jesus it is CLEAR to SEE the divine purposes of their death. LAZARUS' purpose: “…to the intent that ye may BELIEVE  (depend upon God)….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV). JESUS' purpose: “…that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

When it’s personally painful, it is NOT so CLEAR to ACCEPT or SEE a divine purpose in the deaths of our loved ones. “…If thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

The days of one’s life are numbered. Neither you nor your loved ones can live past their pre-determined number of days. There is a time to live and to die. "…LORD, ….Remind me that my days are numbered…” (Psalms 39:4 NLT).  “…MY TIMES are in Your hand…” (Psalms 31:15a KJV).  “…MY FUTURE is in your hands…” (Psalms 31:15a NLT). “….To every [thing there is] a season, and A TIME to every purpose under the heaven…a time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).

Regardless of what one KNOWS of God’s truth, the death of our loved ones, the death of our hope, the death of our dreams, the death of our prayers, the death of our desires, or the LOSS of our control RATTLES, puts a DAMPER on, or WEAKENS faith or dependency upon God. “…If thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE my brother (my dream, my hope, my prayer, my desire, my expectation, etc.) had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Like Martha and Mary and many believers begin to THINK God is NOT with them any more, especially after days or years have passed and hope, dreams, prayers, and experiences have "NOT" been realized or “SEEMED” to have ENDED in DEATH. “…if thou hadst been HERE…” (John 11:21 KJV).

Most believers will NEVER "SEE," in the natural, the physical presence of Jesus, yet he is ALWAYS with them. “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I will not leave [you]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

Jesus faced LOSSES too, but what was his attitude? “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).

Most believers can NOT see BEYOND their pain and heartache - gleaned from the trials and tribulations of their life -to see God’s BIGGER picture. MARY AND MARTHA'S PERSPECTIVE was this: “…if thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). JESUS' PERSPECTIVE was this: “…this sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…to the intent that ye may BELIEVE ….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV).

Believers QUESTION God’s sense of “justice” or “fairness” when it comes to their LOSSES, or SEASONS of SUFFERING, or AFFLICTIONS. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…” (2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV).

On the other hand, they forget Jesus’ experiences of “injustice” and “unfairness” that wroth their SALVATION. “…For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

The experience of the cross was an unfair, unjust, and shameful part of Jesus’ earthly experience, but there was a GREATER purpose that superseded what he went through. “…It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down…” (Isaiah 53:4 NLT). “…the just for the unjust, …” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

God’s GREATER purpose had MORE weight for Jesus than the temporary injustice, unfairness, or shame he lived through. “…What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

Jesus went through horrible and painful experiences, on earth, in order to serve God’s HIGHER purpose. He is the GIFT of SALVATION to sinners.  “…He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care…” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT).

God’s HIGHER purpose far outweighed ANY of Jesus’ personal experiences or any other agenda no matter how unfair, unjust, or shameful. “..I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world…” (John 16:33 NLT).

Jesus SAW a BIGGER picture. He knew what was waiting for him. “…he [would be]…“crowned with glory and honor.” …” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “… [He would be]…elevated …to the place of highest honor …” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

God also knew “…When [Jesus saw) …all that … [was]… accomplished by his anguish, he … [would] … be satisfied. And because of his experience … [God’s]… righteous servant (Jesus) …[would] … make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

“…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT).

While on earth, Jesus experienced deep grieves and sorrows, but his HIGHER Godly purpose sustained him. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

It demonstrates how believers can also experience deep sorrows in life and yet continue to trust or HOPE in God’s goodness. “…Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? …Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those …who honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. …Such people will stand firm forever…” (Psalms 15 NLT). Job said, “…Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:15 KJV).

The KEY is to remember Jesus’ STRENGTH was drawn from within and his SORROWS from without. INSIDE: “…Because of the JOY awaiting him…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). "…Father, into your hands I commit my spirit…" (Luke 23:46 NIV).“…While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death…” (Hebrew 5:7 NLT).

OUTSIDE: “…Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV).

“…he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).

“…He … [completely] … entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

“…If thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). Martha and Mary DID express a level of faith or dependency upon God, with this statement, advocating that his physical PRESENCE could have prevented Lazarus’ death.

However, ihe could have prevented Lazarus’ death without his physical presence just like he did the centurion’s servant. “…Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.  The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but SPEAK THE WORD ONLY, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under AUTHORITY, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel…” (Matthew 8:5-9 KJV).

JESUS COULD HAVE SPOKE THE WORD, FROM A DISTANCE, AND HEALED LAZARUS.

 In addition, Martha and Mary believed Jesus could and would raise Lazarus from the dead in the resurrection, which is also an expression of faith or dependency upon God.

The sisters DID witness many of Jesus’ miraculous works, yet failed to SEE the possibility for Lazarus’ restoral of physical life while on earth.

“…If thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). This verse is not an accusation as much as it is an attitude or expression of deep grief.

When hope dies, dreams die, prayers die, desires die, relationships die, expectation dies, relatives or friends die it becomes easier and more tempting to let our faith or dependency upon God, in "that" situation, die too. Lazarus died; Mary and Martha's hopes, dreams, and prayers, regarding their brother, died too. 

It is normal to experience profound sorrow over losses in certain situations. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?” (Psalm 43:5 KJV)

It is normal to question God’s wisdom, justice, fairness, or participation in the LOSSES, DELAYS, and DISAPPOINTMENTS you are experiencing or have experienced. “…If thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE …” (John 11:21 KJV).

Martha and Mary’s hopes, dreams, prayers of experiencing God’s POWER, regarding Lazarus, had taken a serious beating to the point of burying them along with their brother.  “…If thou (God, Jesus) hadst been HERE …” (John 11:21 KJV). Yet Jesus said:“…I am glad for your SAKE that I was not THERE to the intent that ye may BELIEVE…I am the resurrection and the life….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV).

Martha and Mary had faith or dependency upon God, but it NEEDED to continue to DEVELOP and GROW. “…Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”  She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world…” (John 11:22-27 NASB).

“…when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

The LOSSES, DELAYS, and long-term, challenging EXPERIENCES happen for the benefit of strengthening one’s FAITH or dependency upon God; not KILLING or WEAKENING IT. “…To the intent that ye may BELIEVE… ….” (John 11:15 KJV).

However, “…Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find “new” strength. They will soar high on wings like eagle They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT).

Martha and Mary’s WHOLE life had changed and been turned upside down. They openly expressed DEEP sadness, heartbreak, and grief about Lazarus’ sickness, his death, and Jesus’ delay. “…If thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).

 “…I am glad for your SAKE that I was not THERE … [when he died]…to the intent that ye may BELIEVE….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV).

BELIEVE WHAT? “… “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:3-4 NASB).“…JESUS SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).  “… “I am the resurrection and the life …” (John 11:22-27 NASB). "…. Is there any thing too hard for [God]…?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). God “… is able to do [or answer prayer]… exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

HOW? “…POWER belongeth unto God...” (Psalms 62:11 NIV). “….GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL. …glorify HIS MIGHTY WORKS…” (Job 36:22-33 NLT). “… There is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou art GREAT, and thy name is great in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… [God] does as he pleases with the powers of heaven… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful…” (Deuteronomy 8:17-17 NLT).

 “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV).

“…If thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV). Okay, it been a LONG and HARD journey, but this is NO time to give up! I know it is easier for someone else to say when THEY are the one living it; YOU ARE! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).

Like the Apostle said, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.…” (Philippians 3:10 NLT). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). “…when he thus had spoken (prayed), he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).

“…We’ve given up everything to follow you,’ he said. ‘Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up …[whatever]… for my sake and for the Good News, will receive NOW in return a hundred times … [whatever]… – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). “…he that was dead came forth…” (John 11:42-43 KJV).