This week, Pastor Rowe took us into John 11, the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters sent word to Jesus, confident that He would come. Instead, Jesus waited. The delay made no sense. The miracle they hoped for did not happen. And by the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for days.
Yet in the middle of grief, disappointment, and unanswered questions, Jesus revealed something greater than a healing miracle. He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Martha believed in a future resurrection, but Jesus brought that hope into the present. He was showing her, and us, that true life is not found in circumstances changing, but in knowing Him.
Pastor Rowe reminded us that we all carry dreams, prayers, and hopes that have not unfolded the way we expected. Yet even in those places, Jesus is present. He sees our pain. He weeps with us. And He calls us to trust that His purposes are greater than our understanding. The miracle was never the ultimate goal. The glory of God and the revelation of Jesus were.
Standing before Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus called him out into life. And that same invitation remains for us today. To step out of disappointment, fear, and hopelessness, and into the fullness of life that is found in Christ alone.
