Lenten Daily Devotional 2021
Friday, March 12, 2021
Day 24: An Ultimate Purpose
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 (NIV)
We read a familiar story that resonates with us and is a reminder of God’s perfect plan for his creation.
In today’s scripture reading, Martha, and then Mary, share their hearts’ sorrow with Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Feeling their grief and disappointment in him deep in his spirit, “Jesus wept.”
Illness invades the human condition, the consequence of a fallen world. We seek hope and healing through prayer to our loving God, expecting God to answer our prayers exactly as requested. Sometimes healing is found immediately, over time, or not at all that we can presently understand.
Jesus allowed Lazarus’ death and the grief of his sisters so that a greater purpose would result – the resurrection of a dead man so that others would believe in and give glory to God the Father and his Son, Jesus. Did it grieve Jesus’ heart to see his beloved friends suffer, of course it did, but he was obedient to the Father’s plan, the salvation of those who believed in the Son.
We can trust God’s ultimate purpose and that he will love us through our trials.
--Cheryl Collins
In today’s scripture reading, Martha, and then Mary, share their hearts’ sorrow with Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Feeling their grief and disappointment in him deep in his spirit, “Jesus wept.”
Illness invades the human condition, the consequence of a fallen world. We seek hope and healing through prayer to our loving God, expecting God to answer our prayers exactly as requested. Sometimes healing is found immediately, over time, or not at all that we can presently understand.
Jesus allowed Lazarus’ death and the grief of his sisters so that a greater purpose would result – the resurrection of a dead man so that others would believe in and give glory to God the Father and his Son, Jesus. Did it grieve Jesus’ heart to see his beloved friends suffer, of course it did, but he was obedient to the Father’s plan, the salvation of those who believed in the Son.
We can trust God’s ultimate purpose and that he will love us through our trials.
--Cheryl Collins
Prayer Focus: Comfort for those who have lost loved ones.
Thought or comment to share?
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