Re: Verse reading–John 11:17-44 (day one)
“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”—v 21.
It was as high as she could think. The highest stretch of her imagination. Prevent death! Like a football team using a “prevent” defense. Martha’s hope consisted largely of avoiding the reality. Even the Lord’s reminder of the coming resurrection (v 23) seemed like cold/distant comfort to her. We are often like her. Eat healthy! Exercise! Pray for healing! Avoid death as long as you can! That’s our approach. Jesus has a higher vision. Defeat Death! Restore life! His own resurrection will prove the power to do so. Lazarus’ resuscitation will include all of us in the promise. “An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs shall hear His voice and shall come forth. . .to a resurrection of life. . .(or) to a resurrection of judgment”—John 5:28-29. Prevent death? Yes, when possible, but the Lord has a higher goal– defeat it entirely!
