Seeing the Glory of God

Jn. 11:40

Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

 

To continue the story from yesterday, Mary came to Jesus with the same deep grief and belief that her sister had. She too felt that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus wouldn't have died. But Jesus saw and felt her tears and deep inconsolable grief and was deeply moved and troubled. After finding out where Lazarus had been buried, he gave instructions to have the sealing stone removed from the tomb. In spite of Martha's warning about the smell of someone being dead for four days, Jesus prayed to the Father thanking Him for hearing. Jesus prayed thus not because He ever doubted that His Father had heard, but for the faith of those around, that those who the Father had given Him might believe. In a loud voice, Jesus cried out, Lazarus come forth, and he did! What a glorious miracle! What a way to see the glory of God! What a way to have saving faith!

 

But it is curious to notice the responses of the people watching. Some believed [as you would expect], but some went to the Pharisees. Not everyone who sees an event is truly an eye witness to the real meaning and significance of the event. Only those whom the Father had chosen and had given to the Son would truly witness and understand the significance of this miracle. Yes, even in the midst of amazing belief is rampant unbelief! After hearing about this most recent sign, the Scribes and Pharisees were committed to the death of Jesus. The chief priest even prophesied that Jesus would die to preserve the nation. How close to the mark! Jesus did die for a nation, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. These self-righteous and self-deluded men were totally used in the redemptive plan of God. Sadly, they missed out on its true purpose.

 

Father,

Thank You for saving faith and including me in Your holy nation. Help me to proclaim Your excellencies regardless of the response. Let me rest in the out workings of Your sovereign plan and purpose.

In His name,

Amen