DAY 12

IF ONLY

HOLLY MACDONALD, WIFE OF THE LEAD PASTOR

The phrase “if only” means that doing something simple would have made it possible to avoid something unpleasant. This is where we find Martha and Mary in John 11 after their brother Lazarus has died. They were full of disappointment and confused by Jesus’ lack of action. Jesus had healed so many others. Why not his own friend? How could Jesus have let them down? The first words out of both Mary and Martha’s mouths (v. 21, 32) when Jesus finally arrived was “if only.” They said if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.

The whole story of Lazarus’ sickness, death, and being raised to life is about giving God glory and having an increased measure of faith.

First, we have Jesus and the disciples. Before Jesus went to see about Lazarus, He told His disciples that Lazarus was simply sleeping but that He would go and wake him up. The disciples took that literally and thought sleeping would be great for his recovery. The disciples weren’t getting it, so Jesus had to speak plainly to them. He told them He was glad He hadn’t been there (with Lazarus), for now the disciples would really believe, implying there was room for growth. This isn’t the only time Jesus mentioned the disciples’ faith. In Matthew chapter 8, the disciples were afraid of a storm, and Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you afraid?” Jesus wouldn’t have rebuked His disciples for little faith if there wasn’t a reason for them to have a greater faith.

The disciples weren’t aware of it, but Jesus was about to exponentially increase their faith and trust. Jesus’ joy was not in the death of Lazarus but in the development of the disciples’ faith. They needed to learn an important lesson. They were believers, but they needed a stronger faith for what Jesus was calling them to in the future. Jesus’ desire was that the disciples’ faith would be increased as they realized that there is a reality beyond death.

Then we have Martha’s interaction with Jesus. In one breath she uses the “if only” phrase with Jesus, and in the next she declares that even now she knows that God will give whatever Jesus asks. She also tells Jesus she has always believed that He was the Messiah.

We learn from Martha that it is okay to be real with God. And this isn’t the first time she has said what’s on her mind. Remember when Jesus visited their home, and she complained about her sister not helping? We have the amazing privilege to talk to Jesus and share our trouble with Him. We can tell Him all our struggles and worries and have confidence that He hears and understands. As Christians we have a unique advantage over unbelievers when we are going through storms.

Jesus finally makes his way to the tomb of Lazarus and asks that the stone be rolled aside. You would think that based on what Martha was just proclaiming, she would be excited—this was their miracle, but instead she protests. Jesus responds, “Didn’t I tell you?” In my mind I picture Jesus shaking his finger in her face like a parent scolding a child. But I know that is not the case... it was a loving and gracious reminder. He assured her that if she believed, she would see God’s glory. Martha is struggling with doubt, and Jesus reminds her of His promise.

Finally, there were those at the tomb with Martha. Jesus could have rolled the stone away in an instant, but he asked that it be moved. Martha and the others did not want to move the stone because they knew the body would reek. Maybe they thought Lazarus was past help at this point. After all, It had been four days... four days of mourning and crying and waiting on a Jesus that had yet to show up. Jesus’ request that they roll the stone away required faith on their behalf. Faith is an obedient, willed action. Even if you don’t feel full of faith, you need to operate in faith and start moving the stone. Faith must always supersede feeling.

Mary and Martha received the miracle they were hoping for, though not necessarily the way they may have imagined. We may not always get the answer we are believing and praying for. Maybe we have an

“if only” moment with Jesus. I know there will be times in the future when God doesn’t do what I expect or think He should do, but I also know that in every situation He can and will bring glory to Himself. If He doesn’t do what I think He should do, God has something better in mind.

This story tells us that Jesus is never late. Jesus loved this family, often staying with them. When he heard the news about Lazarus, He did the unexpected... nothing. He stayed where he was for another two days. You might expect that He would come running to help, but God’s timing is not ours. Verse 5 and 6 say although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus he stayed, where he was for the next two days. When God seems to be doing nothing, He may be doing more than you could ever imagine.

God can allow situations in our lives for the glory of His name and kingdom. There is purpose wrapped around whatever God permits in your life. Sometimes there may be a delay of deliverance but God’s delay is not God’s denial.

PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, that we can come to you with anything and know that you hear our prayers. Lord, we acknowledge that your ways are higher, your thoughts are higher, and you are in control. Lord, we declare that we trust you in all situations and believe that you will work everything together for our good. We claim the promise you gave to Martha, that if we believe we will see your glory. We ask for an unwavering faith and that you would be honored and glorified in all things.