As long as Jesus is on the scene, it is never too late.
I needed to hear that this morning and it was exactly what jumped off the pages for me. I was reading John 11, the curious story of Lazarus’ death and eventual resurrection. You may remember that Jesus arrived in Lazarus’ hometown of Bethany four days after Lazarus had died. Not the best timing. And both of Lazarus’s sisters are quick to point this out to Jesus. “Teacher, if you had only been here four days ago, then my brother wouldn’t be dead.”
In the midst of their pain and frustration, we see a picture of their deep faith. Martha adds, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Here’s the interesting thing. Jesus’ timing was late but still right on time for what God was planning.
I find that this is often the case for you and me. You see, if we were to write this story, it would go quiet differently. Lazarus would fall ill. His sisters would send a swift courier with an urgent plea for Jesus to come. “He is hanging by a thread,” the note would read. Jesus would come running into Bethany in the nick of time. As Lazarus gasped for his last breath, Jesus would take him by the hand, raise him to his feet and invite him to dinner. End of story, Roll the credits. Everyone goes home happy. And, as impressive as that would be, it would not be big enough for God.
Because God often has other things in mind than what we do…and on a different time-frame. So, I’ll say it again. Jesus may be late but He is always right on time. God wasn’t just planning to make Lazarus well. He was sending Jesus to make a statement. Death has no authority. When the Creator of Life walks into the room, the “end” of life becomes a negotiable point in time. Put it another way…when Jesus comes to the memorial then your funeral may very well be over.
Don’t worry about your timing. It wasn’t really that important any way. You and I have in mind to cure a sickness. God may want to put an end to death. You may ask for the doctor’s report to be good. God may want to use your life to show how He can heal any sickness. You may ask for a raise. God may want to use your financial difficulties to show how close you two can really become. You may ask him to save a relationship with a friend. He may be saving you from a relationship that could cost you much more than you need to pay.
I know. We have our schedules. I sure had mine this week. Then God sent a little reminder to me this morning. I may be a little late according to your plan but I am right on time for mine. In the end, that’s really what I desire any way.