“Lazarus had died, and for you sake I am glad that I was not there.”- John 11:14-15 (ESV)
Mark Batterson begins Chapter 23 (“Even Now”) of The Grave Robber by wondering why on earth Jesus would say, “For your sake, I am glad I was not here.” Furthermore, Jesus had delayed coming for two days.
Pastor Batterson notes that when Jesus finally showed up four days late, Mary and Martha exhibited some passive-aggressive behavior toward Jesus. The truth is, Mark adds, that we all have passive-aggressive tendencies toward God. While we don’t necessarily blame Him for our adversity, we also know that He had the power to keep that adversity from happening.
Jesus waited until Lazarus had died to reveal His resurrection power. Nothing can be resurrected until it has died. As Mark points out, what Jesus did for Lazarus He also does for us:
“If you feel like you’re in a holding pattern, it may be because God is getting ready to do something more miraculous than you’ve previously experienced. But something precious might have to die first so that He can resurrect it.”
Mark concludes that had Jesus simply healed Lazarus, it only would have reinforced the faith people already had. Jesus wanted to stretch their faith. In order to do that, Mark notes, “sometimes things have to go from bad to worse before they get better!”
Today’s question: What Bible verses have helped minimize or eliminate your passive-aggressive attitude toward God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Faith is our sixth sense”
