Focal passage: John 11:1-4; 38-45
Today I missed teaching my classes for a doctor’s appointment. A substitute teacher monitored my students and helped them accomplish their work.
Before I left, I explained how important it was that each student obey the substitute. They were to show respect, work hard and use their time wisely. Not only are these wise choices for any student, their actions while I am away are a reflection on me, their teacher. We’ll celebrate tomorrow if I return to a good report.
When I am away from school, obedient students bring honor to me as their teacher. As believers, when we obey God, even in challenging circumstances, God is honored, too. In fact, He is glorified!
In John 11, when Lazarus was sick in Bethany, his sisters desperately summoned Jesus. Jesus responded, “This sickness will not end in death but it is for the glory of God” (John 11:4). Even in the midst of devastating circumstances, God was working for His glory.
Later, after Lazarus had indeed died, Jesus commanded his companions to remove the stone from his tomb, reminding them of His promise. The people were unsurprisingly hesitant to obey. Lazarus had been dead four days and his body would have already begun to decompose.
And yet, they followed the directions of Jesus in a situation that made absolutely no logical sense.
When God demonstrates His glory, people are drawn to Christ and experience eternal life.