" When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." (John 11:4)
Tradition has taught us that God gets glorified in sickness. Nothing could be further than the truth. At first glance, we see that this verse may support that tradition, but let's do some digging to see the hidden treasure of this wonderful verse. Lazarus was sick unto death. His sisters came to him, asking him to heal their brother.
What did Jesus do? He said-"THIS SICKNESS IS NOT UNTO DEATH, BUT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, THAT THE SON OF GOD MIGHT BE GLORIFIED THEREBY!" I guess that when the sisters left, they might have been scratching their heads and asking themselves-"DID YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT HE WAS SAYING?" Nevertheless, they figured Jesus would be there sooner or later!
Notice, Jesus took his sweet time and left to see Lazarus. When he arrived, Martha laid the "blame" game on the Lord. Notice, this same Martha was the one who was worried about the work that she had to do in her house. Jesus, who was present, was teaching her sister the word. Worried about her work, she told Jesus to stop teaching and tell her sister to help her. Jesus told her to leave her sister alone because she was spending time learning from God! (Luke 10:40-42)
Wrong priorities played a part in Martha's life. Priorities in her work and not focusing on God. No wonder she fell apart and blamed Jesus when Lazarus died! Then, she got herself together and spoke faith-"whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." (John 11:22) Here,we see a battle. Your mind is in a battle! Your mind has to be in line with God's word and every thought has to be taken captive!
Then, Jesus ordered her to remove the stone. Again, we see a battle of the mind. Martha reasoned-He has been dead for 4 days. Why should I remove this stone when he is stinking by this time? Here is what Jesus responded. Watch this, or you'll miss out on this wonderful revelation!--
" Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
What was the glory of God? When he raised Lazarus from the dead and healed him! When did he tell Martha this? Days before he died! Had Martha received the word, just like the Roman Centurion did, all these troubles could have been avoided! (Matt 8:8) God is not glorified in sickness-HE IS GLORIFIED IN MIRACLES AND HEALINGS!! (Matt 15:31,Matt 9:8) Friend, the word is alive and full of power. It raised Lazarus from the dead. It will make a difference in your life if you believe! Use the power that is in his word today!
Father, Thank you for speaking to me. In this day, Minister to me and help me to trust in your word. Your word is alive and has power. Your word heals and delivers me. Your word is destroying yokes in my life. It is taking me out of financial lack and oppression. Thank you for delivering me. Thank you for sending your word--In Jesus name. Amen
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