John 11:40 (ESV Strong's)
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
Subject: The Glory of God!
The above verse is taken from the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus was not in the home town of Lazarus when he fell ill. Lazarus was related to Mary and Martha and had died from his illness. When Jesus first heard of this illness, He stated the following:
John 11:4 (ESV Strong's)
But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
Jesus was about to show them His Glory and the Glory of the Father. This illness, that resulted in death, was to bring about the glory of God. It would show the power of God and give an authoritative voice to Jesus' work. Note, later, what is said about Jesus as a result of HIs raising Lazarus from the dead:
John 12:17-19 (ESV Strong's)
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
None of this would have happened if Lazarus had not died. God used this illness to bring about a testimony for Jesus and many believed. We don't see tragedy in this vain. But, this is why God brings about these things. For His glory!!! That is why He allows tragedy in our lives ... to bring about His glory.
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