Although summoned days earlier by Lazarus’ family, Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after Lazarus died and was buried in a tomb. Martha heard He was coming and rushed out to meet him.
“Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died,” said Martha, expressing her deep sorrow to Him.
What happened next?
Jesus proceeded to give her a teaching on who He is and the benefits of believing in Him. Martha stuttered forth a few words, but Jesus continued with His teaching.
Martha eventually gave her forehead a quick dunce slap and replied, “Yes, Lord, I believe…”
She then hurried back to the house and told Mary about Jesus’ arrival. Mary rushed out to see Him.
Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32)
Mary uttered the exact same words as Martha, but because of her relationship with Jesus and her bowing down before Him in worship, she ended up witnessing a great miracle. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.
What if we do no planning or preparing ahead of time? Will we suffer much?
Let’s be honest with each other, okay? The odds are great that a majority of us Christians will not be prepared for the next round of calamities which will soon hit America. This may be due to our teachings or doctrines or training to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit or the everyday clutter in our lives.
So, like Martha and Mary, it will depend on our relationships with Jesus on what happens to us. We will either receive painful teachings in the midst of our hopeless agony or see Him do miracles.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
