Tuesday 14 Aug 2012

Tuesday Reading: John 11:19-22

Key Verse: John 11:22
22  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Devotion:
Somehow I often gain comfort in working through things backward instead of following the logical course of events. Hence going back in time as we find out more about Martha and Mary and their relationship with Jesus. We can ignore the conspiracy theorists who will claim all manner of things because we are following the truth that is God’s Word and not following man’s thoughts and feelings!

Martha and Mary each expressed their love for Jesus is different ways as we saw yesterday, but we also see that they expressed their faith in different ways as well. Martha was quite ready and willing to take her faith to Jesus and express it openly, whereas Mary, for some reason, would stay at home and be content with waiting for Jesus to come to her; probably knowing that Martha would bring Him in due time!

Martha was quite forward in her actions which would normally suggest that she was the elder sister. Both sisters had a fervent love for their Lord and Saviour and wanted to express that love in the proper manner. Martha took her faith with her to meet Jesus as He came toward Bethany. At first glance it may seem like she was going to meet Jesus and blame Him for allowing her brother to die. But when we read the whole chapter we find out that both Martha and Mary loved Christ and would not have apportioned blame where it was not due. Yes she said that her brother would still be alive if Jesus had arrived earlier, but she also added that God could do anything if Jesus were to ask for it.

This is where we are rewarded by the love that Jesus has for us. He knew that these events would unfold in this order so He set things up so that we would have absolutely no doubts that faith is rewarded and that love is at the core of that faith. Because of the love Christ has shown us, we can love Him and trust Him totally; we can have absolute faith in Him as our Lord, Saviour, Friend and God! We can know that our prayers that we lift up to God and ask in His name will be answered just as Martha’s request to God through Jesus was answered. Note, though, that many people would have given up when Martha continued on in faith. Our faith needs to stand firm even when our world is seemingly crumbling around us!

Points to Ponder:
What makes your faith weak?

Are you building up your faith through God’s Word?