Saturday, September 1, 2012

Unfortunate problem or Miraculous potential? John 10-12

For hundreds of years man has been asking the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Philosophers, psychologist, preachers and politicians have all voiced their opinion over the centuries. In chapter eleven of John we have an answer most to even fathom.   Apparently one of Jesus' disciples and personal friends was sick, unto death.  His name was Lazarus.  He was loved by the Lord. His sisters, Mary and Martha, had waited on Jesus and served Him faithfully.  They were all believers.   They were "good" peoples. Yet, Lazarus was dying and the Lord of the Universe was at their disposal.  Yet, note Jesus' response when told of this tragedy in the making:   

John 11:4-6
But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was.

Not only does Jesus "NOT" spring into action, He purposely delays His actions.   He even states that the sickness won't bring death.   Yet, that is what it will bring ... temporally.   We see here a marvelous clue as to "why" bad things happen to good people.   Jesus is going to use the "bad" thing to bring glory to Himself and the father.  Lazarus, Mary and Martha are only the vessels God is going to use "this time" to bring glory to Himself.   Without Lazarus dying Jesus can't bring Him back to life.   God brings and allows things to come into our lives for us to be vessels for His glory later.  Job had this experience.  Joseph had this experience.  David had this experience.   Moses had this experience.   You have this experience.  It is not that a bad thing happens to us but what Good thing will follow.  God wants to bring glory into our lives for HIs good.   We have a chance, in the midst of bad, to see His hand.   Moses is leaning on a rock in the desert that looked like a normal rock.   It was a normal rock until the nation of Israel complained about no water.   God made a fountain out of the rock.   Their thirst and complaining made way for God's miracle.     What miracle is God wanting to produce in your life as a result of your bad fortune?  

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