Why Pain?

"But when Jesus heard about it he said,“Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days." John 11:4-6

I don't know what kind of sickness Lazarus had.  I don't know what his condition
Den syge pige by Michael Ancher
was.  I image though him awake and wondering why it was taking Jesus so long to get to Bethany.  He wasn't far.  He was a dear friend who Lazarus knew well.  Lazarus knew that Jesus was the answer to his illness; to his hurt.  He called for Jesus.

Jesus explains clearly to his disciples why He was delaying his travel, "so that the Son of God will receive glory."  Lazarus was a man that Jesus would receive glory through.  What an honor.  A means for Jesus to receive glory.  Lazarus is not alone in the gospels in being labeled as a means of glory.

"“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,”Jesus answered.“This happened so the power of God could be seen in him." John 9:2-3 

Photo by Lance Bellers
This man was born without sight to glorify God.  His disease was for God's glory.  What if he had never been healed?  Could God still receive glory?  The disease that he lived with was not of his own sin, his parent's sin, nor of anyone directly beyond Adam.  He lived with this disease for the glory of God.

The Lord tells us through Paul, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”(2 Corinthians 12:9a) Our power and ability is gloried in our strength.  In our brokenness and inability God shows His mightiness.  He is shown to be great.  He shows His glory.  What greater purpose can we have than to bring glory to God?

Living with hurt, loss, or disease is not easy.  It is difficult.  Human weakness is where God's power works best.  It is out of death that life comes.  It is out of weakness that power comes.  The resurrection power overcomes all.

  1. What are you waiting on the Lord to fix?
  2. Have you prayed that the Lord would bring His strength in your weakness and be glorified?

--Zine Smith

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