Which "If" Are You?

John 11 is the well-known story of Lazarus.  Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha, were friends of Jesus and they were (based on the New Testament) close, and Jesus was at their home several times during the last month of His life.  Martha was like me ... the doer, and the one who was sometimes more attuned to process than relationship. Martha would say, "Get that meal on the table!" while Mary was asking how the family and kids were doing.  They were great people, but different personalities.

In the scene portrayed in John 11, Lazarus becomes sick and dies.  he is even buried, all while the family expects Jesus to arrive before it is too late.  Jesus stays away for two days, and seems in no hurry to spare the family the grief of Lazarus' death.  When Jesus arrives, after Lazarus is dead, the family and friends are in the throes of grieving.  It is here we encounter the "Ifs."

The first "If" is when Martha says, "If only you had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:21)."  This sounds like a faithful statement, till you break it down a bit.  Martha does express belief that Jesus has the power to heal ... she has probably seen it happen.  This is a statement steeped in positive rhetoric but a negative attitude.  Let me rephrase Martha's words ... "Jesus ... why weren't you here when I needed you?  We sent word that Lazarus was sick.  I thought we all were best friends, but you didn't show up when we needed you most!"  The words of Martha's Scriptural statement are a measured facade, hiding great disappointment and possibly anger at what Jesus did not do.

Do you ever make this statement?  When you don't understand Jesus' overall plan, are you disappointed or angry with Jesus because your plan (or the prayer you prayed) was a better plan?  I confess my guilt here, as I struggle to implement my stellar plan, and don't like where things are going.  "Jesus ... if You would just get into my plan, it would all work out so perfectly!"

Then, Jesus makes a statement that brings me up short.  "Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?"  This sentence is a challenge to my attitude of faithless resignation.  Because Jesus is asking me if I trust His big plan over my small plan.

So now, as I reflect on this, I remember saying, "Jesus ... if you had given all that I asked for, my project (this could be true for many of my plans and projects) would be done and we would be enjoying the fruit of work we should have been able to accomplish."  Then, with 20/20 hindsight, I take another look.  I see teams forming that are perfectly equipped for getting these projects done.  I see our congregation beginning to open their eyes to the possibility that God is really doing something here.  I see people excited, expectant, and ready for what they see as God's work.  And I think ... "I would have never dreamed God could bring these people together at just the right time and at just the right place!  I am sorry I doubted you, Lord!  I ask forgiveness for those moments and years I failed to trust you fully!  I only ask for one more thing ... to see Your glory, in the fulness of Your plan, as you use Your people to build Your Church!"  I remember what you said ... "You will see even greater things than these (John 1:50)!"  "Lord ... bring on those greater things!  I will wait, watch, and pray!  AMEN