Zooming in and out of a picture or story gives us different perspectives. When we zoom out of the story of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we see the story that Jesus is living. The story of walking toward death for the sake of life.
As soon as Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, the plot to kill Jesus begins. Even as he is bringing resurrection and life back to this community, he is walking toward his death that will lead to resurrection and life for all people. What Jesus did in the life of one man, in a community in Bethany, he will do for the world.
our temptation
We live zoomed in on our stories. And when we have to wait, we are restless for what is to come. While we wait, we are all tempted.
Even Jesus was tempted (Luke 4:1–13). Our temptations can include making things happen out of sync with life and God’s timing, withdrawing and isolating as we turn in on ourselves and exclude others, or denying what is happening. Or maybe even more practical things such as: overeating or over drinking, bursts of anger, or lethargy with work that needs to be done. Sometimes our waiting will be for a few days and for other things a lifetime. Waiting is hard. But it does not have to be done alone. As with any temptation, the invitation from Jesus is to pour ourselves out to him, to know him more deeply, to wait in community, and to get any other help we need.
as we wait
Martha, Mary, and the community had to wait for the resurrection of Lazarus. The disciples and the women at the cross had to wait for the resurrection of Jesus. Life from death requires waiting. As we wait, we prepare for what we know, and we rest. Key word: rest.
When the women at the cross saw Jesus’s body taken down, they followed it to the tomb and watched how it was laid (Luke 23:50–55). Then they went back home and prepared ointments and spices for the body of Jesus. They stayed present with what they knew and prepared for what was to come. Then the women rested according to the commandment of the Sabbath (Luke 23:56).
The invitation that is extended to us is to rest. Rest from our worries, rest from solving the problems, rest from idle busyness that makes us feel better because at least there is some type of movement. Rest in the provision of Jesus, trusting that resurrection will come in its time.
what are you waiting for?
For some things, resurrection will come in this life. For other things, we will have to wait until the final resurrection when all things are made new and death is no longer. While we wait, we grieve, we rest, and we remain in the present while preparing for the future.
What are you waiting to see resurrected? Is it a marriage? A relationship? A loved one’s life? Maybe it is the spiritual life of another? Or maybe it is your own life?
Dear Lord, Thank you for everything. You know how my hearts aches and you know my prayer request. I have been praying and fasting and got tired and stopped then started praying again. Dear God am only human and you know this. You created me. Show me your will so I know what decisions to take so I live a life that brings you honor and glory always. Amen. Help me Lord to know what to do in this waiting period and help me know what you will restore and what I need to let go of. Thank you Lord. Amen.
Jesus!
Help me rest in You…
Lord, I praise you because I know that you are always with us, and constantly hear our pleas. Heavenly Father I ask for guidance to act and speak with wisdom. To encourage and lift up those I come in contact with today. Grant me the ability to see others as you see them; to be compassionate and empathetic. To live with a passion and zest that your leadership in my life cannot be hidden.
Dear Jesus, I pray for external change. I feel like I’ve been in the same environment for way too long. I need a fresh start, a more independent life where I can be my authentic self. Father as I wait for you to elevate me financially and mold me onto a responsible individual, I pray that you may give me the strength to wait. Help me change my perspective and look at life in a more positive light knowing that all good things happen for those who love you. In the mighty names of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Dear lord
I am waiting for my husband. I am willing for the man you have for me. I know in the past I was disobedient, impatient and looked for love in men and not you.
Now today I am renewed and strength that if I keep believing, keep trusting you have him in your perfect timing!
Dear Jesus,
My hope is that I can live out the purpose that you have placed within me before the foundation of the world, before I leave this earth! Search my heart Lord and help me to be more like you everyday! Not my will, but your will be done! Help me to store up treasures in heaven and to not focus on the cares of this life! I pray that I can be a vessel to draw others closer to you! Amen!
Dear Lord,
I am praying for my marriage. Things are so uneven right now. Some days are great and others are bad. I am praying for my husbands attitude. He is so hard on our children at times and it scares me. His anger and his outbursts scare me. I don’t think he would ever hurt our children but his voice scares me. Our three year old has stated that she’s scared of him.
Lord, I just want peace and contentment in you. I don’t want to worry about nothing. I want your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Many times, I feel that people around me say they love you but they don’t. Have the action to support their claims. Yet, I get discouraged on the waiting for people to come along side and work for you, focus on their gifts and a common vision. Lord, help me to refocus on you and only you. Give me all that I need to be refilled as I pour out. Bless those whose actions are aligned with their words. Bless those who have loss hope. I pray for resurrection power in all of us.
I ask God to show me the direction of a healthy God-centered relationship , I want to be equally yoked with someone who loves me and sees me exactly as you created me. God please give a spiritual assurance that I am going the right path career wise . Please teach me to continue honoring my parents and helping them without becoming a parent-pleaser , please help me to be more independent, financially stable , strong and focused as I prepare to be a more Godly woman and mother and wife someday. I kn0w that his love and patience and forgiveness is incomparable. I am confident that he will change things around in perfect timing. Divine timing.
I hope and pray that Amanda will find forgiveness for her brother. That Trevor will find his moral compass and wisdom. That God will send more people into our lives to share life with. That God will reveal my purpose. In His name I pray