Good Thinking: Jesus is always near

Jesus had been staying in Bethany with his good friends Lazarus, Martha and Mary.

Now he was off preaching and teaching on the shores of Lake Galilee. While there, Jesus got word that his best friend, Lazarus, has become seriously ill; the sisters wanted him to come immediately! For some reason, Jesus delayed. Then he received word that Lazarus had suddenly and unexpectedly died. Jesus returns to Bethany.

Jesus finds everyone mourning Lazarus’ death, everyone in a state of shock. Jesus tries to comfort Mary and Martha. Both sisters say the same thing: “If you had been here, if you had come when we called you, Lazarus would not have died!” Jesus can only reply: “Do you believe that I am God’s Son, that I am the Lord-of-Life, that I have the power to resurrect the dead?” And the sisters answered: “Yes! We believe!” Jesus says to them: “Then come with me.” They go out to the tomb where Lazarus has been buried for four days. Jesus lifts his eyes to God, prays in a loud voice, and says: “Lazarus, come out of that grave!” And to the amazement of everyone, Lazarus comes walking out of the tomb! Alive again! And everyone rejoiced and praised God!

Jesus is our best friend! A friend is someone you can confide in, and will not judge you. A friend is someone you can trust with your greatest joys and deepest sorrows. A friend is someone who will be there for you, no matter what happens. A friend is someone you enjoy being around, sharing with. Jesus was Lazarus’ best friend. Jesus is our best friend.

Jesus always comes when we call him, but always in his own good time! Mary and Martha were frantic! Their brother had taken ill, suddenly and unexpectedly. Jesus, we need you now! Life takes some sudden and unexpected twists and turns. When that happens, we become frantic! This can’t be happening to us. What are we gonna do? Jesus, we need you now! At times, it seems like Jesus is far off, seems like he doesn’t hear us, seems like he doesn’t care. But, the truth is, Jesus always comes to us!

Jesus, we believe you could have prevented Lazarus’ death! If you had come when we called you, Lazarus would still be alive. Jesus’ reply is the same to us as it was to Martha and Mary: “No! There was nothing I could have done to prevent his death! God does not prevent death, God overcomes death! God is able to change darkness into light; death into life; defeat into victory!

Death comes in many ways: at the end of a long illness; at the end of a long siege of depression; by accidents; because of murders; due to casualties of war; because of old age, when all our parts wear out. Death comes at any age: to babies, children, youth, adults, older folks. We might think – if I had done this or that; if I had said the right thing; if I had been there – I could have prevented death from coming. No! Not even Jesus could keep death from happening! Neither can we!

Jesus is Life! God is a God of Life; death was not a part of his original plan. Death entered the scene because of our sinfulness; death is the wages we receive from our sins. So, God sent his Son to live among us; to show us how to live life as the Creator intended it to be lived. Jesus lived life to the fullest; and everyone he touched was filled with life. Lazarus and Jesus enjoyed living in God’s wondrous world – walking in the woods, fishing in the streams, watching the crops grow, standing in awe before a sunset. When we’re with Jesus, life is good, life is at its best!

Jesus is Resurrection! Because of our sin, life is not always good! Life falls apart. Tragedy strikes. Suicides occur. Hearts are broken. Hopes and dreams are shattered. Then Jesus comes to us, and says: “I can put life back together again! I can overcome tragedy, even a suicide. I can mend your broken hearts, and ease your pain. I can resurrect your hopes and dreams, I can make life good again!” And so He does!

Jesus takes us to be with Him! We have His promise: “I’ve gone on ahead of you; I am preparing a special place just for you. Life will be ‘heavenly’ because we’ll be together always!” And that’s as good as it gets!

Amen!