March 21 The New Creation

John 11:17-20 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.  20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed in the house.
 
CAN you blame Mary for staying in the house? I would have been disappointed, too, wounded as the Lord tarried. “Where was Jesus?” Mary agonized. “My brother is dying. Jesus claimed to love us. He is our friend. We believe in his life-giving power. But, where was he? What was Jesus doing? He has healed so many people, people he had never met. Why didn’t he come to make Lazarus well? Where was Jesus when we needed him?”
    Yes, Mary. Where is Jesus when we need him? We all ask that question. Thirty years ago, our friend Debbie died of cancer. Three young children and a husband left to mourn and miss her. No wife, no mother, no longer to love them. Her physical body lies in the cemetery near the house they had just built. I’m with you on this one, Mary. Where is Jesus when you need him the most?
    Amid the realty of suffering and death, let’s consider why Jesus came to earth. Jesus did not come to make our lives easy every moment – perhaps not all. He came to give us eternal life. “Where are you when I need you?” focuses on the temporary. Yes, Jesus will raise Lazarus and ease the sisters’ grief for a time. But we know even Lazarus would not remain alive forever. One day his physical body would die.
    What then? What will happen when Jesus has gone to heaven? We praise our Lord that he resurrects into eternal lie! He is the eternal God come to earth to draw his own into life forevermore. This is the gift we must dwell on because everything – I stress “everything” else is temporary.
    Debbie is gone from her family and from this earth. But she has received the glorious gift of the “resurrection and the life”. No, the Lord did not come to heal her body. But her soul is perfect in Christ. Her disease did not end in death. Indeed, her disease ended in the gift of timeless, joyful life.
    Are you dejected, disappointed and feeling a little miffed about Jesus? Do you think he doesn’t care about you or your loved ones? Do you wonder if he even considers you? Then stop and remember the Lord’s eternal gift. Rejoice that he came from his throne in heaven to offer you a home in heaven. Focus on and celebrate his remarkable gift. He is your friend forever.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus. You are my resurrection and life! I praise you for your unending love, grace and mercy. Amen.