Even Now!

Scripture – John 11:17-22: On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Four days is a long time. Lazarus was clearly dead and in a tomb. Martha greets Jesus with a statement she believes to be true. There are a lot “if” situations in my life. I sometimes think “if I had done this instead of that, that would not have happened.” The fact is, I don’t know what would have happened. As Aslan once counseled Lucy, I can never know what would have happened. I can only find out what will happen as I act on decisions I make. So Martha’s first statement is followed up with a greater statement of faith and hope – “even now....God will give you whatever you ask.” Even now – four days after Lazarus’ death – hope is alive.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes I give up. I resign myself to the fact that it’s too late to do something or correct something. I will remember, even now God is ready and able to act. He may not do exactly what I want. He is, however, always able. Hope is never lost.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for Easter. Thank you for on-going hope. In you I am never without positive options.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Bethel Baptist (Trenton & Venness in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.