When God is Late!

John 11:1 (ESV)

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

In the ancient world, illness could end up in death.

John 11:6-7 (ESV)

6 So, when he (Jesus) heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

Jesus does not act predictably.  He wasn't in a hurry to heal Lazarus.  Lazarus was probably already dead when Jesus heard the news.   

John 11:17  (ESV)

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.

Jesus shows up 4 days after the death.

John 11:21-22 (ESV)

21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

If you have just a flicker of faith like Martha, Jesus will fans the flame (M.H. Dennis)

John 11:32  (ESV)

32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Hold on to your faith.  Jesus is for you even if your circumstances are against you.  We don't determine the will of God by what's happening (M. H. Dennis).

   

John 11:41 (ESV)

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

This was at the end of Jesus's ministry.

1. Do you know who to call when you need a miracle?

Mary and Martha knew that they could call Jesus.  We are to believe in Jesus.  We are to pray bold prayers in Jesus's name.

  

John 20:31 (ESV)

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

2. What do you do when you are disappointed with God? 

How do you get through that?  Mary and Martha knew that Jesus could answer their prayer, but He did not.  Lazarus had died.  Four days later Jesus had showed up.  

Have you told God how you are feeling?  You do know He already knows.  Mary and Martha were disappointed too.

John 11:35 (ESV)

Jesus wept.

Jesus knows our pain, and will speak to us in a manner that we will understand. He will show us His pain while He grieves with us. 

Jesus loves to turn a funeral into a celebration. 

3. Do you have confidence in your ending, and what happens after that?

Charles Barkley said that "Father time is undefeated"; however, Jesus will defeat him.  Jesus has the power to resurrect.

John 14:2 (ESV)

2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Jesus is preparing a new home in eternity for you if you'd only believe it. 

Start with who Jesus is.  Can you trust Him in your pain?  Can you receive Him for you?  Tell Jesus a simple prayer. 

Jesus, I believe that you are who you say that you are, and I'm taking you at Your word. Please forgive me and be my Lord and Savior.  I trust You!

Steve Gilliam, Willowcreek Church