Lenten Reader | Day 29

March 18th, 2024

The Glory of God

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

John 11: 38-44

In this passage, Jesus clearly states, “if you believe you will see the glory of God.” However, there were lots of people that day that saw Lazarus walk out of the tomb, but they still did not see the glory of God. Even when a miracle happens before their eyes, people ignore it. This is demonstrated here, when the Jews saw Lazarus raised from the dead – a clear demonstration of His power – they still opposed Him and put Him to death. 
 
Jesus assured Martha that those who, by faith, believe in the Lord Jesus will never endure spiritual death. It was not Lazarus’ will that saved him, but God’s will that did. Just like you cannot earn salvation, you also have not earned the gift you’ve been given in God’s grace. He lovingly teaches us to say no to things that will not benefit us. You can find solace that your Father knows best and be thankful for His guidance and grace He has given you freely. True freedom comes from not mastering your weakness but letting God be glorified through it. 
 
The story of the physical resurrection of Lazarus serves as a beautiful reminder of my own weakness and inability to save myself. It reminds me of the sovereign power of the Almighty God who alone has the power and ability to save sinners like me.  
 
This is the promise we all have in Christ. God will raise us from the dead. 
 
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for loving us unconditionally and for the grace and glory bestowed upon us. It is by your grace that I have received my salvation, and it’s by your grace that I live each day. I thank you for the hope I have in Christ Jesus to live eternally with you in Jesus’ name. Amen 

Alli McDonald