February 26
JOHN 11
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” – John 11:1-11
JOHN 11 FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Jesus never did anything unless it is for the glory of his Father
We also ought to follow his example and praise our Maker
Whatever you do, do it to praise the One who created you
If you live for yourself, you will be blind to the truth
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind
So that your life will be righteous and holy so that he may be glorified.
In this account, we hear of Lazarus’ illness. Martha, Mary and Lazarus are Jesus’ closest friends. They lived in Bethany, a small village in Judea, south of Mount Olives near Jerusalem. It was a quiet and friendly village where Jesus often visited to fellowship with his friends and disciples. So, one would expect that as soon as Jesus heard his closest friend sick, he would rush to go and see him. Instead, he stayed two days longer where he was. Of course, he knew what he was doing and why he delayed going. He was God and knew all things. He was going to give God glory by waiting longer. He does not think like we humans do. He sees everything and always goes with God’s timing.
REFLECTION
• Why is it important for us to be mindful if what we do always glorified God?
