Scripture to Read: John 11:5–6
Jesus was always in perfect fellowship with our Heavenly Father and did exactly what the Father sent Him to do while He lived on earth (John 4:34, John 5:30, John 6:38). So, we read in John 11:5–6, Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. God had John point out Jesus’ love for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. But then we read how Jesus purposely stayed where He was for two extra days, even though He knew Lazarus had died. If someone were reading this Scripture for the first time, they would probably question Jesus’ love for Mary and Martha since Jesus didn’t leave immediately to go and comfort them. We must continually remind ourselves that God’s timing is always perfect because He sees and knows everything (He is Omniscient). What may seem like a coldhearted decision is a flawless decision based on God’s perfect grace, mercy, and love. God sees past, present, and future, so He knows His perfect plan for every one of His children. As His children, though we experience pain and hurt in this present life, it is nothing compared to the future glory we will all experience when our Lord calls us home to be with Him for eternity (Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17–18)—that is why we must continually keep our focus on Christ, His Word, and what’s to come when we finally get to go home (Colossians 3:1–4).
Challenge & Application
• What do we know about our Lord from today’s devotion, and why should that encourage us?
• How can you take what God has taught you today to help someone else be encouraged?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!