Today’s scripture: John 11:17-44 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Squire):
When I was 18 years old, about six months after I graduated from high school, my kidneys failed. (If this isn’t news to you, it may be because I’ve written about it before.) That experience is probably the most defining “loss” I’ve yet to experience.
As I pondered this scripture, that experience came back to me. I can relate to Mary as she struggles with something that has ripped her world apart. Mary’s reaction (v 32-33) is where I found myself sometimes. She’s sobbing, and says to Jesus, “…if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
I’ve heard that explained as simply her statement of faith in Jesus’ power. Really? Words on the page can be so flat sometimes — if you’ve tried to tell a joke or express sarcasm in an email, you know what I mean. When I read Mary’s words, I hear red-hot anger in her voice: If you had been here, like you were supposed to be, Jesus, my brother would not have died!
Jesus had received word of Lazarus’ illness in plenty of time to do something, but he didn’t. God, why are you doing this to me? Why are You letting this happen to me?
The book of John makes the point, over and over again, that when we look at Jesus, we see God. So if we take a look at Jesus as he experienced this loss, maybe we can get a glimpse into the heart of God in our times of loss. I see three things we can learn that may bring some understanding and comfort:
- God sees the big picture, and we don’t. Jesus wasn’t in a hurry to get to Lazarus — he knows that it’s all in God’s hands, come what may. But imagine Mary and Martha’s anguish — and wounded faith — when they send word to Jesus, but Jesus doesn’t respond. It must have felt like Jesus didn’t care. Ever been there?
- “Jesus wept.” He feels the pain, just as we do. God understands, and is there with us. (I definitely don’t understand why God doesn’t just fix it more often, though.)
- Whatever happens, it’s for God’s purpose. Mary’s reaction was a perfectly normal, human response to great loss — blind anger that lashed out. But if our purpose in life is to follow God, why do we react with anger when we experience loss? Every loss we face is another situation where God’s will can be revealed, and where we can learn more of God’s purpose. (That sounds holier-than-thou and pie-in-the-sky to me, even as I type it, but something in me tells me it’s true.)
Here’s a song that has meant a lot to me. It’s Casting Crowns’ Praise You in This Storm.
Thought and prayer for the day: When I face loss, large or small, I can either look inward, or upward. God, help me look to you, and know that you are with me in this.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.