"Jesus is late." -Mary, the sister of Lazarus, before he was resurrected
"I can trust Jesus' timing." -Mary, the sister of Lazarus, after he was resurrected (read John 11:1–44)
Mary stares out the window. Where was Jesus? Why hadn't He come? Yes, she believed He was the chosen Messiah. But she also thought He was a true friend who would rush to their sides as soon as they sent word Lazarus was sick. What if He never came and her faith quietly, unexpectedly slipped away just like her brother?
Suddenly the door swings open. Martha, so often in action and out of breath, pulls her sister aside and confides, "The Teacher is here . . . and is asking for you." (John 11:28). When she's finally in front of Jesus, her sobs choke out all words but the one question that has haunted her most since they sent for him. "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." (John 11:32).
Jesus doesn't offer answers. He doesn't try to dry her tears. He doesn't spout off a spiritual cliché. Instead He weeps along with her. The tears of a compassionate friend. The tears of a tender God. The tears of someone who understands the pain of death. Then He asks a simple question: "Where have you laid him?" (John 11:33).
Jesus does come. And He does see. With eyes that stretch beyond humanity and into eternity. As a quote by Gracie Allen hanging on my mama's refrigerator says, "Never place a period where God has placed a comma."
We all have a Lazarus in our lives. A dream that seems to have gasped its final breath. A hope that's lifeless and still. A relationship that seems beyond resurrection. A situation where we echo the words of Mary, "Jesus, if you had really been here for me, then this wouldn't have happened."
But even if His timing is different than ours, Jesus will never abandon us. And when He shows up, you can be sure the show isn't over. After He weeps with His friends by the tomb, He calls Lazarus to come forth. And suddenly the period placed by humanity becomes an exclamation point inserted by divinity.
We have the same hope that Mary did, even if it feels delayed sometimes: Jesus is coming. He knows our hurt and He cries with us. He has not forgotten us. He will not leave us alone when we're in need.
The Author of Life is still asking, "Where have you laid your Lazarus?"He's willing to go with us to the places of our pain. He doesn't fear what He might find. He isn't overwhelmed by the impossibility of our problems. He isn't shocked by our emotions, questions, or even doubts.
Whether in this life or the next, He promises to tenderly, powerfully transform our stories in ways beyond what we may even have dared to hope.
By Holley Gerth
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