Emotional

Jesus knew Lazarus died the very day he received word. He stayed for two more days doing ministry where he was. On the fourth day of Lazarus’ death, Jesus made his way to Bethany, and arrived to find everybody consumed by grief.


Day four was a particularly difficult day for our ancient Jewish ancestors. That was the day they believed death was final, with no hope of the person reviving.

The day when all hope was lost was the day Jesus – the hope of the world – came to town.

Before Jesus left to go to Bethany, he told the disciples that Lazarus’ sickness “would not end in death, but that it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.”

So, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead on the day when all hope was lost, that was a pretty impressive miracle.

When we consider miracles, we get lost in the wash of justice. We focus our attention on who gets a miracle and why, and how unfair it is that others don’t for unknown reasons. We focus on the miracle and its recipient. But that’s not where the focus is supposed to go.

The purpose of the miracle is to point to the miracle giver.

From that time forward until now through forevermore, when we face death, we can look at that event and realize that there is One who is bigger that all we fear. That One loves us. Desires to redeem us. Is a constant source of hope. Is forever.

So when you experience a miracle or hear of one, don’t get stuck on the why and why not. Look instead to the Giver, and give thanks.