Lazarus – a new perspective

It took me by surprise as I was led recently to meditate on the story of Lazarus. I found myself viewing it from a completely different perspective. I believe it is because the Lord’s intent was to encourage me through His Word that He sees me, he understands my heart as a caregiver for my husband. And, he wants me to continue to trust and seek Him for victory.

You’ll find the whole story in John 11 and I recommend reading it and listening to what the Lord may speak to your heart. I’ll just share the things that ministered to me. First though, let me recommend that you also read John 10. It’s where Jesus talks about himself as the good shepherd. Knowing Him as that has been critical in my life journey. No matter what, I know I can and must choose to trust and rest in His care. In fact, the whole book of John is a precious treasure filled with His love.

Here is what ministered to me from this story.

In John 14:31 Jesus says that He only does what the Father has directed him to do. He was the sinless son of God, but He was living as a human being directed by the Holy Spirit. He heard and did only what the Father said.

It must have been difficult as he received news of Lazarus “Who He loved” being sick, and having the Father say not to go right then. How many had he already seen healed? And yet, he is obedient to wait for The Father’s perfect timing. He had to let Lazarus, his friend, die. He knew that his sisters Mary and Martha who He also loved would grieve.

Yes, He knew right away that the story would not end in death — quite the opposite. But still, He had to stay where He was for two more days, and He did not reach Lazarus until He had been in the grave for 4 days.

I imagine how His heart ached when he saw the grief of Mary and Martha, their questioning looks and great sorrow. They believed He was the Messiah, but they didn’t understand why he hadn’t come in time to heal Lazarus. The people who came to console them were probably thinking that too. Doubting Him, doubting God was with Him.

He understood their grief. But more importantly, He wanted Lazarus to live! He wanted his life to be restored. He (and the Father) wanted them to believe in and understand that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD. To take the limits off their thinking. To trust and expect to “see the goodness of God in the land of the living,” even when it seemed like hope was already gone.

Seeing this story from a new perspective ministered to me because I know He loves me and my husband too. It’s been 8 months since he became ill. I am expecting him to be restored to health and I don’t know why healing has not yet manifested. Yes, there have been some improvements, but I am expecting wholeness restored! I am encouraged to trust and expect to see it in the Father’s perfect timing. I hope you will be encouraged in whatever area you need it too.

“So then, we must cling in faith to all we know to be true. For we have a magnificent King-Priest, Jesus Christ, the Son of GOd, who rose into the heavenly realm for us in our frailty. He understands our humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in ever way just as we are, and conquered sin.” Hebrews 4:14 The Passion Translation (TPT)

“We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus our forerunner, has gone in before us. he is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6;19-20 (TPT)