“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again”— John 11:20-2220Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. (John 11:20‑22).
IN the case of Lazarus, Jesus purposely delayed returning to Bethany until after death had come in. His delay was not because of indifference or lack of love, either for the sick man or his grieving sisters, but God had something to work out for His own glory and their blessing which could not be reached until death had ensued. It takes a living faith to wait for God, as well as to wait on Him. He will not be hurried. Seeing the end from the beginning, He is never thwarted nor taken by surprise. He can be depended on to work out every circumstance for the blessing of those who rely upon His unerring wisdom and confide in His unchanging love.
“O Lord, my life’s a mystery
I do not understand;
The end of all Thy ways with me
I do not know; I scarce can see
At times Thy guiding hand.
Great Shepherd, firmly grasp my hand
And lead me while I go,
For Thou hast said Thy purpose grand,
Which yet I do not understand,
Hereafter I shall know.”