(Verse 1) - The miracle of Lazarus is recorded only by John. There are a number of reasons for this, chief being that Lazarus was likely still alive when the other three Gospel writers wrote then Gospels and when John wrote his, Lazarus was dead. John wrote his Gospel sometime after 80 AD. The other writers likely wanted to spare Lazarus any reprisals or persecution from the Jews. The miracle was known, but to have codified it might have exposed Lazarus to opposition and persecution.

This family was among the few that seem to have been personal friends of Jesus. The combination of this friendship and the well-known power of Christ to heal made it logical that when Lazarus fell ill his sisters called for Christ to come. There would never have entered their mind that there would enter any complication.

That the sickness was of the type that resulted in death is evident from that it ended, humanly, in just that. Christ's statement underscores this for John's readers, though it might not have been evident to the disciples. That God would use such a sickness underscores a couple things for us.

First, it points out that there is no barrier severe enough to prevent God from achieving His purposes. What barrier to God in the life of a person could be poised than death? If ever there was a "final" barrier that would seem to bring down the curtain on God's use of a man, death would seem to be it! If Lazarus teaches us anything it is that even death is no unconquerable foe for our God!

Second, it tells us that God is free and willing to use even "evil" things in the pursuit of His goals. Death is universally feared by men. Nothing is more universally agreed upon as an evil than death. Death is surrounded by sorrow, and couched in the terminology of tragedy. There is nothing more evil men can do to one another that kill each other. Death is the final and ultimate penalty that can be exacted from men. Lazarus teaches us that God even uses an "evil" thing like death in the service of His glory.

Third, it illustrates for us that God will use His children in any way He sees fit and necessary to serve His purposes. Who in the Scripture is used more harshly than Lazarus? He suffers through an illness and ultimately dies. His sisters must stand by and watch it happen. Ultimately, they are forced to go through the experience seemingly alone. What a terrible burden! But what, ultimately, a great opportunity to be of service and glory to God!

Fourth, it tells us the proper perspective on difficulties for the believer. It isn't over until it is over. For Mary, Lazarus' death was the end of the story. For Martha, it wasn't a conclusion, but there was no real hope either. But it wasn't over, and there was hope. Hope is never gone, never futile, and the ability to realize God's plan is never out of the question

How do those facts apply to my life?:

 Though I may never find myself in the position of Lazarus or his sisters, I need to leave the resolution of the matter in God's hands and trust that He will and is working out His perfect plan no matter what it appears.