Friday, March 4, 2011
Reading: John 11:1-16
Reflection: This is an amazing passage of Scripture for a wide variety of reasons. As I take a superficial reading of this passage, let me shae with you some of my initial thoughts. I am not suggesting that these thoughts are the "central intended reason" this text is in the Bible. But, I do believe these lessons are present, not only in this text but in the whole of Scripture. First, we see that being loved by Jesus does not mean that I can avoid human suffering. Notice in this passage that Jesus knows full well that the situation before him will cause pain and confusion to Mary, Martha and likely Lazarus. Jesus also knows that this pain and confusion will utltimately result in God's glory. So, Jesus can prevent suffering at the sacrifice of God's glory or embrace God's glory by allowing suffering. Jesus rightly chooses God's glory, thus reminding me that my suffering may not always be an attack from the devil to trip me up. My struggle may be a result of God gaining glory through my pain. Since this is so, it is incumbant upon me to have faith in God and allow the pain in my life to drive me toward God rather than away from Him.
This passage also challenges my priorities and view of the world. In this culture, we view human life and joy as the highest value of all. This is called humanism. The idea is that because humans are the center of all things...because their advancement and well-being is the ultimate goal of life...that anyone or anything that would seek to damage humanity, or bring pain and suffering to people, must be a bad thing. Thus, if God allows suffering, many beleive that God is either dead or evil...for no good God would allow human suffering. However, God's ultimate goal is not human glory, but divine glory. God created us to advance His image, His glory, in this world. Thus, if our suffering advances His glory, God is acting consistent with that will. So what we see Jesus doing in this passage is to rise above His humanity to do what is ultimately divine...to allow suffering not so that people feel pain but so that God's glory is advanced.
These two lessons are hard for those of us who tend to think that pain and suffering are a bad thing. But, anything that brings glory to God is a good thing. Therefore, even pain and suffering are good things if in and through them my life exalts the name of God, advances His image in the world, and brings glory to His reputation. So while I never want pain, the real question is am I willing to accept it in order to bring glory to God?
In response to your last question, I have often looked back at difficult times in my life and said, "I would go through it all again to get to where I am now." Trials are painful and difficult, but James 1:2-3 gives us hope: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
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