Deliberate Delay, Days of Silence, But – It’s Not Too Late for Your Miracle

Trevor S Ferguson

June 19, 2022

 

John 11:1-7, 14-23 KJV

[1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

[2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

 [3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

[4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

[5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

[6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

[7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judæa again.

…

[14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

[15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

[16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

[17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

[18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

[19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

[20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

[21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

[22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

[23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

 

INTRODUCTION

Crises occur frequently in human life. From time to time, we find ourselves in situations that require urgent attention and urgent intervention. Examples of crises include severe sickness, death, financial problems, interpersonal conflicts, emotional upheavals, and similar things. In times of crisis, quick and immediate action is essential. Inaction or delayed action can lead of death or a severe worsening of the condition. Very often in crisis situations external help is needed. We turn to sources or individuals we believe have the capacity to help. We go to the doctor if there is a sickness; when the sickness is particularly acute, we go to the emergency room, where doctors and nurses are specifically trained to deal with crises. In times of financial crises, we may go to a bank or to a person known to have adequate resources. For emotional crises we seek a counselor or pastor. For spiritual crises, we seek a pastor or other minister. Failure to help in a time of crisis, is consider among the worse of human vices. Even mean people will often try to help in crisis situations.

 

What then do you do, when you are faced with a crisis and help is not forthcoming, even though the person you have asked for help has the capacity to help? This dilemma is illustrated in the passage today and provide some important lessons for our Christian journey. While the passage is well known, and often the base text of sermons, we often focus on the miracle, without sufficient attention to the events that preceded the miracle. Today we want to take some time to look at this passage. As we reflect, we will recognize the despite deliberate delays and days of silence, God will still show up and work miracles in our lives.

 

 

EXPOSITION

The events of John 11 take place in the final weeks or months of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The raising of Lazarus is considered by many as the last great miracle of Jesus’ public ministry and was the event that final lead the chief priests and the Pharisees to make the decision that he should be put to death.

 

Lazarus was from the town of Bethany and was the brother of Mary and Martha. Jesus often stayed at the home of Mary and Martha when he was in Bethany. As indicated in verses 3 and 5, Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

 

Now Lazarus was sick. At that time Jesus was staying in the region of Perea, beyond Jordan, because the Jews in Judea and sought capture him (see chapter 10:39). Mary and Martha, being close friends with Jesus, knew where he was staying, so the sent messengers to him. Note the message “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” Jesus then said: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” It is not clear if this message was sent back to Mary and Martha or if Jesus was speaking to his disciples. Regardless of to whom the message was directed this was the only response Jesus gave to the crisis for two whole days. We would have expected a more direct response and immediate action on Jesus’ part. Something like – Don’t worry, I am leaving right now to come and attend to him; or, he will not die, I will come and heal him; or Go on your way, I will speak to word and he will be healed right now! Instead, we have deliberate delay! Verse 6 tells us that Jesus abode two more days in the place where he was.

 

Let’s take some time to look at this issue of DELIBERATE DELAY.

Jesus knew Lazarus was sick, Jesus knew he would die. In fact, it is believed that Lazarus died the same day that the messengers came to Jesus. Jesus was fully aware of this. Note that the messengers did not come back to update Jesus on Lazarus’ passing, but Jesus stated in verse 14: Lazarus is dead. Look at verse 15: “And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” He was fully aware of his death, fully aware of the grief of Martha and Mary, but did nothing. Why didn’t Jesus’ act?

 

Two reasons: PURPOSE and TIMING!

God will not act outside of his purpose and God will not act outside of his timing! The resurrection of Lazarus was intended in God’s purpose to be his crowning, most significant miracle. The next major miracle was going to be the resurrection of Jesus himself. A healing of Lazarus would not have fulfilled God’s purpose! We note the while Jesus had previously raised persons from the dead – specifically Jairus’ daughter and the son of the widow of Nain, both these miracles would have taken place on the day of their death. Jairus’s daughter was freshly dead – still on her bed when Jesus went in and raised her from the dead. The widow of Nain’s son was raised while they were on the way to the burial. Given that the Jews usually buried people on the same day they died, this resurrection also to place on the day of death. It is quite possible that the Jews would argue that they were not really dead, but in a coma or some other unconscious state. Thus, they could try to explain away the miracle or claim it was only a healing.

 

The resurrection of Lazarus would need to leave no doubt! In order for the resurrection to occur he had to die. In order to leave no doubt, he needed to be buried and in the grave for long enough that there would be no doubt as to the resurrection. Four days were necessary as some Jews believed the soul hovered over the body for three days. To remove these possible sceptics – four days would be necessary. So then, we see the critical importance of purpose and timing in God’s plan. We can’t rush God. We must wait on his purpose and timing. It is not that he is not good; it’s not that he doesn’t love us! Fulfilling his purpose and working in his time is critical for God’s divine will to be accomplished.

 

Let’s turn to the MATTER OF SILENCE.

It’s one thing for God to not act when we seek him. It’s another thing all together when he does not speak to us! Let us assume for a moment that he did indeed send the message to Mary and Martha that the sickness was not unto death, but for the glory of God. The messengers get back and give that message, but Lazarus dies the same day! And Jesus says nothing! Lazarus is buried, no word from Jesus; Day 1 passes, no word from Jesus; Day two passes, no word from Jesus; Day 3 passes, still no word from Jesus! Can you imagine the pain and anguish for Mary and Martha? They must have felt like David in Psalm 22: Listen to what he says, reading from the New Living Translation:

 

“[1] My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? [2] Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.”

 

David’s dilemma continues in vs 4-8

[4] Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. [5] They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. [6] But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! [7] Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, [8] “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!” Psalm 22:4-8 NLT

 

Our pain is magnified when we look at others and it seems they are getting help and we recall the stories of our fathers of God’s mighty deliverance, yet nothing is happening for us! We note though verse 24:

 

“For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.”

 

Today, I want to remind somebody that God has heard your cry and he will answer in due time. He will not remain silent forever. He will show up and answer you! We also recall the story of Job! For 37 chapters Job suffers, and God is silent! Listen to Job in chapter 23:

[3] Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! [4] I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

…

[8] Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

[9] On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:

[10] But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 

God did answer Job. Job 38:1 states: Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind! God did not provide all the answers and explanations Job sought, but clearly established his sovereignty and his power, which Job was able to accept. Despite the days of silence God will show up! He showed up for Job. He showed up for David. He showed up for Martha and Mary. He was four days late in Martha’s timing, but he was at the perfect hour in God’s timing. IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR YOUR MIRACLE!

 

Martha said to Jesus in verse 21-22: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

 

Even now! Despite the delay, despite the silence, despite the despair, despite the tears - even now God can still act in your situation! Lazarus was dead, he was buried, his body had begun to decay, but these apparently irreversible situations would not prevent God from acting. Even now he still had the power to intervene.

 

Jesus word to Martha in verse 23 challenged her faith and challenges our faith today

Your dead situation is not too far gone for God to intervene! You may think it’s over; you may think there is no hope, you may have stopped trying all together, but think again. God can still intervene and change your situation. Jesus declared, I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. In that he has power over death, there is no situation in which he cannot act. Lift your faith, believe on him. It’s not too late for your miracle.

 

I challenge you today to put your faith in him. Put your crisis in his hands. Trust his purpose and trust his timing. Don’t give up. He will come through for you.

 

CONCLUSION

Today we have been reminded that God cares about our crises. He loves us but works according to his purpose and his perfect time. Despite apparent delays and long periods of silence, he is working things out for our good. He will come through for us. It’s not too late for our miracle! God bless you, In Jesus Name.

Trusting God in Difficult Seasons

Trevor S Ferguson

  May 23, 2021

 

Isaiah 43:1-7, 18-25

[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

 

[18] Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

[19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

[20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

[21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

[22] But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

[23] Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

[24] Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

[25] I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

 

INTRODUCTION

All of us as human beings have experienced seasons when life and circumstances seem to be extremely difficult. For some, these are short periods of time, interrupting an otherwise pleasant life, but for others, these difficult seasons seem to be prolonged and unending. We understand and accept that life is cyclical and has both good and bad seasons as we recall that Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”. The writer of Ecclesiastes goes on to emphasize in verses 2-4 “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” We see also in Job 14:1-2 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.” We must therefore accept that troubles, problems, difficult seasons, and such circumstances are regular occurrences in human life and therefore we must find ways to survive and overcome in these seasons.

Difficult seasons may come in many forms. On the temporal side, these include severe sickness, the death of a loved one, financial problems, interpersonal conflicts, emotional upheavals, and various other similar situations. Difficult seasons also occur in our spiritual lives. These include church related conflicts, prolonged seasons of silence (when it seems like we just can’t hear from God), unanswered prayers, unfruitful ministries, persecution, spiritual burnout, and other varied situations. Many of us face these difficult seasons feeling distressed, alone, and frustrated. Human help often fails and at times are filled with platitudes that do not address our real problems. The usual responses will come - pray more, fast more, have faith – but for many, we have already prayed, we have already fasted, we have mustered up all the faith we can find. What then does one do?

The prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 43 offers us some words of encouragement regarding how we approach these difficult situations. It is not quite the quick deliverance that some of us seek, but more an assurance of God’s abiding presence in these difficult seasons. Yes, He is our Jehovah Shammah. He is with us - a very present help in times of trouble. Today we want to take a closer look at this passage, as we seek to better understand how to endure and overcome in our difficult seasons.

EXPOSITION

Isaiah is considered by most biblical scholars as the foremost of the major prophets and is sometimes called the prince of prophets. His ministry is believed to span over 60 years, during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Isaiah 43 belongs to a group of prophesies where Isaiah offers words of comfort and assurance to the people of Israel. It is generally accepted that these prophecies speak futuristically to Israel’s captivity in Babylon but revealed by God to Isaiah almost 200 years before their actual occurrence. Given this context of a prolonged season of difficulty, this passage is particularly applicable to the topic we are addressing today.

The passage begins with a reaffirmation of God’s paternal relationship with Israel. God declared that He was the one that created and formed Israel, He had redeemed them, and they are His. Today, we acknowledge God as our creator and our redeemer. We are His. If He was willing to lay down his life for us and purchase our salvation with his own blood, there is nothing good that He will not do for us. Romans 8:32 reminds us: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Given that we belong to God, and he will freely give us all things, we can face our difficult seasons, knowing that we have a God who cares about us and will work out all things for our good.

Verse 2 of Isaiah 43, can be considered the focus text for today’s message: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Let us look at some lessons from this verse.

Firstly, I want us to consider the phrases “When thou passest through the waters …”  and “when thou walkest through the fire …” We note the prophet says “when” and not “if”. This implies that we will pass through the waters, we will walk through the fire! So, the first point of emphasis today is that: Difficult seasons are part of human and Christian existence; therefore, we should expect it and prepare for it.

Some of us have been schooled to believe that as Christians we are covered and protected by God and therefore, we will not experience difficulties in life. However, it is critical that we become mature as Christians and accept that trials and difficulties are part of the journey. We cannot be naïve, or we will be easy prey for the devil. We must develop strategies to cope with these difficulties rather than hide our heads in the sand and pray or hope that they will not occur. Peter warns us that we must be sober and vigilant because we have an adversary, the devil, who is roaming about seeking whom he may devour (1^st Peter 5:8). So then, the first strategy in dealing with and overcoming our difficulty seasons is to expect it and prepare for it.

Let us use a simple illustration. If we are planning to visit a cold country in the winter, we buy warm clothes. Similarly, since we know that we will come under spiritual attacks from the enemy, we must build our spiritual armour.

The second key phrase in these verses is “I will be with thee”! God did not promise that he will help us avoid the water and the fire, but He promised that he will be with us! He will come in the water with us. He will come in the fire with us. The waters shall not overflow us. We will not drown. We will still be able to stand in the water. The fire will not burn us or consume us. We see this exemplified with the three Hebrews boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. Nebuchadnezzar expected that once thrown in the fire the Hebrew boys would be burned to ashes, but God took the heat out of the fire and was there walking with them in the fire! Similarly, when Daniel was cast in the lion’s den, God shut the mouth of the lions and Daniel was able to rest comfortably in the lion’s den. God can take the venom out of your difficult situation and give you the power to survive and thrive. So, the second point of emphasis today is that God stands with His people on difficult seasons - He will never leave us or abandon us!

Moses reminded the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Psalm 46:1-3 is equally emphatic: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” The psalm closes with the instruction: Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. We can rest assured that regardless of how difficult or dark or situation appears to be, God is there with us and he will give us the strength to overcome.

The third point of emphasis today is that God is able to transform difficult seasons into seasons of joy, peace and plenty. Verse 19 of our text say: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” So, while we recognize that we will have wilderness experiences, and that, of necessity, we will walk through some deserts, God wants to reassure us that these need not be just painful, unpleasant experiences. He can transform our situations. He will make a way in the wilderness; He will prepare rivers in our desert. Note again, the use of the word ‘in’. The way is made in the wilderness! The river is created in the desert. So let us not be hasty in our expectation of deliverance. Deliverance will come, but we must spend some time in the wilderness; we must spend some time in the desert.

The wilderness and desert experiences are sometimes used by God to prepare us for the work to be accomplished. Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, tending Jethro’s flock, possibly because he needed to spend 40 years in the wilderness leading Israel to the promised land!

But God will not leave us by ourselves in these situations. When Israel passed through the wilderness, God fed them with manna and brought water out of the rocks. He will step into our situations and make a way, even when there seems to be no way!

The fourth point of emphasis is that God expects us to continue to worship in our difficult seasons. Let us look at verse 22-24:

“But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.”

Many of us fail to continue in our worship and adoration to God in the difficult seasons. Instead, we grumble and complain. Just as Israel did. However, 1^st Corinthians 10 reminds us that God was not pleased with Israel’s attitude in the wilderness, and this resulted in many of them being overthrown in the wilderness. Let us say like David in Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” God is always worthy to be praised. Note also that Job’s first act after he heard of the calamity that had befallen his children was to bow his head and worship! Let us therefore learn to praise God even in our difficult situations. This will cause God to open doors and make ways for us. He will sustain us in the wilderness and eventually we will come into God’s promised land, filled with abundance and all God’s blessings. Israel eventually made it to Canaan. Judah was eventually delivered from Babylonian captivity; God eventually answered Job. We too will eventually make it out of our difficult seasons. The night is long but is eventually followed by daybreak. Winter in long, but eventually spring and summer comes. Your difficult season will not last forever. God is with you and will bring you out! You can trust Him; you can trust His word. Trouble won’t last always. What do you do? Praise God during your difficult season. He will give you strength, he will sustain you. He will make a way!

CONCLUSION

So then, we have seen today that God promised to be with us when we walk through the waters and when we walk through the fires of this life. He also promised that He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. However, He expects that we continue to worship even in difficult seasons. Let us commit to trusting God in our difficult seasons. He has promised to be with us and will eventually lead us out. His words are true. Let us continue to trust Him. God bless you, In Jesus Name.