Where Are You, God?

John 11:17-44

Most of us, at one time or another, have probably wondered where God was when we had a desperate need that only seemed to go from bad to worse.  We prayed and prayed, and got no response.  In this Gospel reading John from last Sunday’s Lectionary, we read the story of sisters Martha and Mary, and how it seemed that God was not hearing their prayer.

Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus, were good friends of Jesus and His disciples, and frequently hosted them when they were in the area.  It was natural then, when Lazarus became very sick, that the sisters called for Jesus to come and bring His healing touch to the dear friend He loved.  Why then, did day after day pass and no sign of Jesus?  Every day as Lazarus got worse, they would look for signs of His arrival in town, but nothing.  Finally Lazarus died.  As was the custom of the day, he would be buried within 24 hours.  Now several days had passed since the funeral, and still no sign of Jesus.  Where was He?  Doesn’t He care?

There have been many times in my own life, and perhaps in yours as well, when I have been plunged into some affliction or catastrophe, and fervently prayed to the Lord for His help.  Just like with Martha and Mary, though, I get silence from God.  “Where are you, God?  Don’t you care that this or that has happened?  Why aren’t you answering and helping?”  These women had seen Jesus work many miracles, and they knew His power.  Now everything was a puzzle.

Jesus finally did arrive, and when Martha came out to see Him, the first thing she asked was, “If only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  I have cried out similarly to God, too.  If only He would have answered my prayers when I first prayed them, this or that would not have happened, and I would not be in such a mess.  God’s timing is perfect.  He knows what is best and what He is doing.  Jesus knew exactly what He had planned, and it was much greater than just bringing healing to Lazarus from an illness.

Jesus had raised several people from the dead before Lazarus.  There had been Jairus’ daughter, and the widow of Nain’s son.  These two had been raised very shortly after they had died, and Jesus’ enemies then, as now, might claim that He just resuscitated them from having passed out.  This case, though, could not be refuted.  Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days.  His body was already decomposing.  This would be a wonderful miracle, something much greater than Martha or Mary would have ever expected.  Did they have the faith?  There brother would rise again, and not just in some far-distant future.  Jesus was the Resurrection and the Life.  If they believed in Him, if their faith and trust was in Him, He would bring life to what was fully dead.

In no matter what desperate trouble we find ourself in, Jesus does care.  His silence and lack of haste when Lazarus’ sisters first called on Him did not mean He didn’t care, and if we sense silence on the part of God, it is not that He doesn’t care about our problems.  Like with Mary and Martha, His delays mean even something greater around the corner.  He cares about our tears, and it grieves Him to see what damage sin and the Devil has wrought on this fallen world.   Remember, He is the Victor, and nothing, not the death of His friend, not any situation we may be in, can hold Him back.  He cried out, “Lazarus, come forth!”, and the powers of death had to let go!  Yes, Martha and Mary, Jesus had heard your cries and your prayers, and He hears ours, too!