Yet when [Jesus] heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days. — John 11:6
Do the math. When Jesus got to Bethany, Lazarus had been in the grave for four days. Even if Jesus had left as soon as He got the message that Lazarus was ill, He still would have been two days late to prevent the death of His friend.
The delay of Jesus established a couple of important things: First, Jesus knew exactly what was going on. The death of Lazarus did not take Him by surprise. Second, Jesus was completely in charge. This wasn’t a matter of Jesus running frantically from one need to another, never quite able to keep up. No, He had a mission, and He would fulfill it.
We can talk about these delays all day long. But until we experience one, it’s hard to understand what’s on the other side. But let me ask this: How do you imagine Mary, Martha and Lazarus were different after Lazarus was raised from the dead? Sometimes, life’s most transformational experiences will not happen without a delay.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.