John 11:17-27, 38-53
Pr. Kurt A. Van Fossan – In Nomine Christi Iesu
Why do you suppose the storms of life cause us so much distress? Judging from my own experiences, I think the reason the storms of life are so troubling at times is because first they cause my sinful nature to realize that I am ultimately not in control of my life—either God is or Satan is. And as a Christian, if I am distressed during the storms of life, it’s because I have allowed Satan, through my sinful nature, to cause me to not trust in God and His ability to work in all things for the good of His church (Romans 8:28).
In our Gospel reading for this morning, the Spirit of God is working to renew and/or strengthen our trust in God so that even during the worst storms in life we can live our lives in joy and peace—to the glory of God.
If you remember, Lazarus was a believer in Jesus Christ as his Saviour. But when word came to Jesus that Lazarus was sick and dying, Jesus deliberately did not go to Lazarus and heal him. Instead Jesus let him die. Was Lazarus really dead? Physically, yes, beyond any hope of recovery. Which is why Jesus waited so long before He went to Lazarus. He wanted the people to know that even according to their false belief that the soul remained near the body for three days in hope of returning to it, even according to that false belief, Lazarus was dead.
Remember also that death is the result of sin—”the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But then, in a magnificent display of His almighty power, Jesus spoke to this dead man saying: “Lazarus, come out! The man who had died came out, his hand and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with cloth.” He must have looked like a mummy! By raising Lazarus back to life, Jesus clearly demonstrated that He has authority over sin, death and Satan—that ultimately God is in control, and that He is God.
Why did Jesus allow Lazarus to suffer and die (one of our greatest storms in life)? To lead people to believe in Him as their Saviour—to work in them eternal blessings! And thanks be to God, we’re told that many of the Jews there that day put their faith in Jesus as the Christ. But not all. Instead of helping the religious leaders recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, raising Lazarus from the dead turned out to be the last straw for them. They had convinced themselves that they really didn’t need a spiritual Saviour—that they were able to fulfil God’s Law by themselves. They were more interested in someone delivering them from Roman rule. Jesus was nothing but a threat to their earthly security—their jobs as priests. “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation…So from that day on they made plans to put Him to death.”
Isn’t that how we are tempted at times to deal with our troubles in life which threaten our earthly happiness and security? Are you tempted to disregard what God says, and take matters into our own hands. And then, when things go wrong we either try to convince ourselves that everything is fine (to safeguard our pride), or we are lead to despair.
In a weeks time we will again be reviewing the events of Holy Week--how the evil plans of these religious leaders were successfully carried out. As you replay the events of Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering and death in your mind, knowing full well their ultimate conclusion on Easter, I would like you to also think about what you would say to the disciples, if you could, to comfort them in this time of their distress as they witnessed first hand the events of that week—as they no doubt felt that things were out of their control—that their earthly happiness and security was gone!
What would you say to them, knowing what you know? Hopefully you would try to comfort them in the knowledge that despite how things may have looked, God is still in control. You could remind them that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Even though the religious leaders would be successful in carrying out their murderous plan, it would all fit in with God’s ultimate plan of salvation, and would result in an unending source of spiritual blessings to mankind. Perhaps you would remind them that Jesus had predicted what would happen to Him that week even before it happened. Or of OT prophecies like those in Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. “
Isn’t that the greatest source of comfort, knowing that nothing is out of God’s control. That He can even work through the plans of sinful men for the good of His church?!
Now let’s apply these same realities which we would use to counsel the disciples and apply them to ourselves, especially during those times when the storms of life cause us to become distressed. Think about how God worked even through the plans of evil men to bring about eternal blessing for all who believe.
Perhaps one of the reasons we have a hard time accepting the fact that God can be at work even during times of suffering, is because we too, like the religious leaders and Jesus’ first disciples, have our sights mainly on the earthly blessings instead of eternal blessings. No doubt that’s why a lot of people are not here today. They are more concerned about temporary earthly things than about the eternal blessings of God.
That’s why it’s important to remember that Jesus’ death was not meant to bring us earthly blessings, but the promise of eternal blessings in heaven. Of course, when we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and that our eternal future in heaven is secure, this brings us present happiness and peace right now.
The same God who was in charge of the situation during the death and resurrection of Lazarus and during the events of Holy Week, is in charge of this world and your life. And if you’re a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus, He is working through all things, including the storms of life which are out of your control, for your eternal good and the eternal good of others. Our Lord powerfully and graciously guides human history, and your life, for the eternal welfare of all who have and will put their faith in him.
I heard last week about a young man from Australia who was born without arms and legs. Talk about feeling out of control! When he was 8 years old he can remember feeling very depressed and desperately pleading to God for arms and legs. He was convinced that he could not be happy without them. But instead of giving this young man arms and legs, God blessed him with a stronger faith in His eternal blessings through Jesus Christ. Now this man is truly happy and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with thousands of people all over the world, bringing God’s eternal blessings to countless others as they witness the joy of this man in the midst of his troubles.
That’s the kind of happiness that people are looking for, a happiness that isn’t dependent on earthly blessings. A happiness that is eternal! Suffering in this life, by the grace of God, helps us to focus on what our faith is all about—what it means for my life now and forever!
Our Lord provides this eternal peace and happiness for you through His Word and Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, assuring you of His love and His almighty power now and always.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen
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