John 11:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

For Meditation

They expected an immediate response; so, how could Jesus delay? Their brother was a friend He loved (Jn. 11:3), who was critically sick and needed His healing touch. Why then would Jesus delay coming immediately to Lazarus’ bedside? But He did! Jesus knew and understood His friend’s condition; yet, He lingered where He was two more days before responding to the sisters’ urgent call. How could anybody call that love? But the word says that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days” (6).

The delay of love in this case, sought the higher interest of Lazarus and his two sisters. They were privileged by heaven to experience the glory of God in an extraordinary way they never dreamed of. Lazarus was going to die, but Jesus, “the Resurrection and Life, (25)” was going to raise him back to life after four days in the grave (38, 43-44). Incredible! But that’s exactly what happened. God was glorified. Jesus was revealed in a new way. The siblings become the talk of town and found a prestigious place in the Gospel message. That’s why love delayed. It may be the reason for Jesus’ delay in getting to your bedside where your knees have become calloused.

1. Is it worth the wait for you? Yes!
2. Has Jesus heard your cry? You bet He has!
3. Why is He lingering then? Because He has something better planned for you.
4. Does He really care? More than you know!
5. Why has He made you drink your tears? Can’t He feel your pain? You must be kidding!

I pray you know that Jesus feels your pain and can empathize with you more than you know; for He has experienced it all before. He is delaying because He loves you and wants you to learn from Him. God’s glory is going to break out on you shortly in His perfect time, and the world is going to experience Jesus in a fresh way because of you. And don’t worry. He is the Resurrection and Life and nothing can remain dead at His command.

So: May you be assured that Jesus is on your case in spite of the delay; and may your mourning turn to dancing when He finally speaks to your dead situation.

When Love delays, love is the motive.

Shalom