Stress. Who doesn’t encounter it? At times, we can have it on speed dial. We all know that famous saying, “If it doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger.” Although true for most, sometimes it can kill one emotionally and spiritually who is in want of a Christ-honoring church.
We once co-pastored two churches in the high desert. It was common to suffer from very humid/fainting heat, driving dust devils and sometimes deal with more rattlers than people. We must admit though, sometimes the rattlers were nicer to hang around.
But, there are times when stress seems to sucker punch all of us when we least expect it: times of political unrest, disturbing world news, family upheavals, financial woes and the almost never-ending burden of age-related health decline. During such, we can forget our standing with our loving Almighty God.
If you recall, we had been looking at the lives of sisters Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus. This close-knit family was well-heeled they would not be in want for their daily living. They had the finances, housing, food, water, wine, clothing, jewelry, friends and village popularity. Yet, with life, they too had the tables turn on them.
The Lord knew this before all of creation. Satan was going to rival Him from every angle, seeking to destroy or dilute the Lord’s every plan. In Genesis 1:31, the Lord declared that His finished work was “very good.” From ancient Hebrew, the words “very” and “good” meant: “exceedingly mighty, precious and excellent.” In short, the whole of creation was beyond awesome.
But, it didn’t take long for Satan to spring into action. He ruined the perfect harmonious relationship that Adam and Eve had with their Creator; once walking with the Lord, now they hid from Him. Their relationship with God was forever tarnished, the family structure falling into disrepair.
Grievous stress had entered the lives of the sisters and their brother. Lazarus had fallen ill and his strength was waning rapidly. Feeling “not so hot” soon became the dread of impending death. Martha and Mary, seeing his decline and knowing that medical care failed, immediately sent word to Jesus. Yet, Jesus seemed not to be coming.
We all know those feelings of abandonment, isolation, being ghosted, ignored, our plight not even on God’s radar. It is a horrible situation to navigate — prayers seem unanswered, godly counsel appears insufficient, one starts to feel alone in a crowd.
Jesus did arrive, but not when the sisters wanted it; he was far too late. Their beloved brother had died and was long buried. The anger, feelings of hopelessness and dreadful accusations of, “Just, where were you? We needed you,” permeated the mourners.
Their anguish, frustrations and rage started to take its toll. Faith in Jesus was now openly challenged, accusations overwhelming many. Such a torrent of emotions deeply moved Jesus. It also frustrated him to near anger with all the shedding of tears; they had chosen their feelings over their faith in him.
Yet, Jesus said, “Where have you laid him?” Jesus, being the Son of God, didn’t need to ask; he knew full well where Lazarus was buried. But, he was bridging the gap of raging despair by asking for them to “assist” him.
When at the tomb, Martha got in a final and painful jab, “Lord, he’s been dead for four days.” Translated, it was far too late now, the body was decaying, releasing horrible odors. Jewish culture and traditions always said that when death had reached four days, all hope was lost for resurrection. But, didn’t Jesus decry human traditions?
Such anger, judgments and chidings didn’t confine him. He could have easily commanded the stone to move away from the tomb’s entrance. But, with his love and grace, he again asked for their assistance, “Take away the stone.” He then called for Lazarus to come out.
To everyone’s shock, horror and amazement, Lazarus stumbled forward, his face still covered in his burial mask, his hands and feet still bound. Again, Jesus could have commanded all burial trappings to immediately fall off, but he didn’t. Instead, he again included the “assistance” of the people to remove the mask and ties.
This is one of the glorious traits of Almighty God. We can disappoint, aggravate and grieve God, but it isn’t He who walks away. It’s us with our unbelief. Jesus, by asking for their assistance, brought them back into the fold by including them in his mighty miracle. The followers were, once again, back with Jesus being their shepherd. Isn’t that incredible? God often includes us, even when kicking and screaming, to partner with Him in miracles — that’s grace.
When a large throng grew hungry and faint when listening to him far from their villages, he told the disciples to feed them without proper resources. They found a lad with barley loaves and a few fish and brought them to him. Jesus blessed them and had the disciples disseminate it to the needy people. Surprising all, the food continued to multiply as needed. Yes, Jesus created the miracle, but he included the disciples from beginning to end. They were a team with Jesus at the helm.
Miracle after miracle involved, by his grace, the disciples. After all, Jesus had said more than once, “Follow me.” Note he never said, “Lead me.” With him in front meeting the needs of the people, the disciples were included, for they followed him. Jesus didn’t need them for the miracles, but he included them.
We fall short all the time, but Jesus doesn’t. We, so flawed, can grieve and bring sorrow to him, but he will still reach out and bring us back to himself. He’s but a breath away, inviting us back to him, to fully use and encourage us. Isn’t that beyond wonderful? He will find and bring us back.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
