8-3-2023

Good Morning All,

              John 11:21; “Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

    Here we have it.  This is one of the most pregnant and poignant statements in the Bible.  Martha is talking to Jesus after the death of her brother Lazarus.  “Lord IF you only would have been here.”  “IF” is one of the biggest little words around.  It can play havoc with our own sense of well-being.  It drives us crazy because it drives our doubts.

    If I was better looking, I could get a date.  If I was smarter, school would be easier.  If I had a better job, I would make more money and be happy.  Yet our biggest “if” is often directed toward God; “IF” you would have been here, my parent would not have died.  “IF” you would have been here, the accident wouldn’t have happened.  Where were you God, why did you let this happen?  This is essentially what Martha says and, in all honesty, Jesus doesn’t really address this statement.

    What Jesus does tell her was this, “I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me, though he were dead, shall live…”  So, while we look at the temporary things of this world, Jesus is dealing with our eternal salvation.  He is working to rescue us from sin and the devil.  The very difficult thing for most of us to realize is that the world is still broken by sin.  As painful as it is, really sad things happen.  The world is broken and will be until Jesus returns in triumphant glory.  That is the real reason that bad things happen, the world is broken, and sin rules the world.  Yet Christ rules our lives and while sin will impact us and affect us, it will not defeat or control us.  

    At times like this, it is difficult to see.  We mourn the loss of life, especially young, innocent lives that seem to have so much to live for.  We focus on yesterday and what we had when we should focus on today and tomorrow. Today, to love all those around us and tomorrow when Christ will return and make all things new again. While you and I cry, we do so knowing that God is merciful and that all believers are saved by his grace.  We feel the pain for it is real.  Yet we can and should see that even through our pain; God is there to comfort and console us.  While we may feel like Martha and think, “where were you God?” we can take comfort in that he is there beside us walking through the storm with us.

Dearest Father, we often cry “where are you?” when the world seems to spin out of control.  Bless us with your presence and keep us secure in the knowledge of your unending love. Remind us of your great mercy, give us peace and rest in your loving arms. Be with those who are especially struggling at this time. Keep them as the apple of your eye and hide them in the shadow of your wings.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret