The Plot Thickens

To trust God, we need to believe in the reliability, truth, ability and strength of God.  When life goes well, trust is easy; when it’s hard we are challenged.  Reading John 11, we learn that Lazarus was sick. His sisters, Mary and Martha, send an urgent message for Jesus’ help.  Jesus arrived four days after Lazarus passed away.  When He finally showed up, we hear pain--there is a little blame, some disappointment, and a lot of grief and…then…a tremendous amount of faith.  Calling him Lord, she says– “If you were here, he would not have died but I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  She knows who Jesus is (the Messiah), she knows what he can do, and declares her confidence in Him.

In His next breath, Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would rise again.  This was not a surprise to her; she knew that she believed that in the last day believers would arise as she read in Daniel and Isaiah.  She knew the truth yet, amid her grief and sorrow these words did little to console her.  Friends, we all know the pain of grief.  It sneaks up on us and takes our breath away.  Here John helps us see her humanness and her faith.  Martha knew His power and believed in Him, yet she struggled.  This scene helps us.  When we find ourselves conflicted and doubtful, we can recall Martha and extend ourselves grace as we lean into God, working to trust His plan. 

Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”  Then he asks her, “Do you believe this?” Church, Jesus challenged Martha.  He was telling her that He is the source of eternal life and wants her to express where she stands.  Where do you stand today?  Do you believe this?  Jesus is teaching that the believer will never die; in earthly death there is a transition to a new life – a life in Christ and a life with Christ.  Martha affirms her belief.  She emphatically said, “I believe” and then said what she believed – “Jesus is the Messiah.”  

What do you believe?  I encourage you to contemplate the 12 points that summarize our faith in the Apostles’ Creed and then to use those points as a springboard for writing your own statement of faith.  

Up to this point, Martha is alone with Jesus but soon scurries to get her sister, Mary. Mary runs to Him and says, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”  Her words were an incredible statement of faith. She knew Him, she believed and expressed that with conviction.  

Jesus was troubled by her grief and as we read in John 11:35, “Jesus wept”.  It’s the shortest verse in the Bible.  It highlights the depth of His love, draws attention to the endless expression of compassion and acknowledges that tears are expected and the feelings are valid.  Friends, Scripture tells us, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).  Joy comes in the morning.  

Contrary to popular belief, tears are not a sign of weakness; they are an expression of love.  Jesus’ tears represent the intense love that God has for us.It’s important to note that tears were not the end of the scene, His power was.    Friends, we can rejoice in His winning the battle.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  Death will not defeat Him; death itself is defeated.

Lazarus passed away.  In the eyes of those present, Jesus could have changed the outcome, but He intentionally waited.  Why?  If Jesus hurried, the situation would have been a miracle of healing, but God’s purpose was to have more believe when they witnessed Lazarus come out of the tomb.  If Jesus did not wait, we would not have heard the promise, “… if you believe, you will see the glory of God.”  

Even when circumstances seem hopeless; Jesus is the victor.  Trust Him!  May today be a new beginning for you and me.  As we recall our life verse and country’s motto, let’s ask…Am I trusting God And all God’s people say, amen! 

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

---

You’re invited to worship with us!

Whether in person or online, join us Sundays at 10 AM EST on Facebook as we come together to praise, pray, and hear God’s Word.

Stay connected with the Westminster Weekly!

Sign up to receive updates on upcoming events, celebrations, and important church news delivered straight to your inbox.