January 28 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

John 11:1–8

Devotional

God’s child cannot always recognize the manifestations of His love. That is how matters were in the family of Lazarus and his two sisters. Christ loved them, and yet Lazarus fell ill. His illness became very serious. By the hour matters were getting worse instead of better.

When Mary and Martha came to Christ to tell Him that Lazarus was terribly ill, they pointed out to Jesus His love for Lazarus. Their message begs the question, “How is it possible that he whom Thou lovest can be seriously ill?”

The riddles increase when the Lord Jesus remains where He is for two days. Is that love? Can love wait so long? It seems as if the distress of Lazarus and his two sisters does not affect Jesus. It appears outwardly that He is forsaking them and does not care. He, who can help, fails to come.

It is a grievous trial to be loved of God and yet be ill. It is a difficult experience to be loved by God and yet to be in grief; it is distressing to be under affliction or suffering and have heaven remain silent. As matters worsen and get darker in our lives the question burns in our hearts whether God has truly looked on us in truth and love.

All this happened to the family in Bethany. They wondered if the Lord had forgotten to be gracious and if God’s love had ceased. But the outcome would be so different. Contrary to their feelings and sentiments, the sickness of Lazarus would lead Mary and Martha to greater bonds of love for Jesus.

It was no news to Christ when people told Him that His friend Lazarus was very ill and that he was actually dying. The Lord knew this all along. It was necessary. Lazarus had to end up in impossible circumstances and distress because the Lord had His own purpose to fulfill. “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4).

When God is glorifying Himself, He will not spare His child from sickness or affliction. God’s love for His people is not a safeguard against disasters. Sometimes suffering occurs under this love. The flesh will not have an easy time. But this is all necessary for God’s Name to be glorified.

God’s children can be heirs of chastisement. Gold has to be purified because it is gold. Wheat has to be threshed because it is wheat. The Lord does not purge barren trees. These barren trees will also have to bear the painful consequences of sin, but they will not find God in their sufferings.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.