July 11 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

John 11:1–8

Devotional

Jesus heard that His friend Lazarus was seriously ill. Everyone expected that he would go as quickly as possible to Bethany to heal him. For after all, Christ did not have that many friends. He healed more enemies than friends. And in the end the multitudes finally cried out, “Crucify Him!” If Jesus healed His enemies we would expect Him to be in a hurry to help His friend.

But when Jesus hears that Lazarus is ill, He stays exactly where He is for two long days. We do not understand this. Did He not love Lazarus? Did not Lazarus love Him? Yes, there was a true bond of love between Christ and Lazarus. And yet the Lord waits two days. This must have been a riddle for Lazarus and for his sisters, Mary and Martha. There must have been turmoil in their hearts because of this. They must have asked themselves if the Lord Jesus really did love Lazarus. Is real love able to wait? There must have been a storm of doubt raging in their hearts. Had the Lord forgotten them? Was their Friend forsaking them?

Those who know the Lord understand the feelings that Lazarus, Mary, and Martha experienced. They too have known the Lord to be present in their home, and have learned to find refuge in Him. They have been taught to sing about His friendly compassions: “Jehovah’s mercy floweth like a river, from everlasting and abideth ever.” When distress enters their home they make their needs known to the Lord because they know that God can help through His power and love. But then, the Lord stays away. Heaven is closed and the voice of supplication bounces back to the earth. Then storms of doubt rage in their soul. They experience the words of Psalm 77 as given in Psalter 440:2: “Will the Lord cast off forever, ties of covenant friendship sever? Will He show His face no more as He did in days of yore?”

Still, the Lord does not forget His people. They may not receive an answer, but He hears them. He sees their tears. He hears their supplications. He listens to their sighs. The Lord knows them, and their need can never be hidden from the eyes of an all-knowing God. He will take care of such people.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.