INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP (PART 3)
What Mary and Martha didn’t know, was that when Jesus received the note from Martha and Mary, He told His disciples about Lazarus’ sickness and shares, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
Seeing the end from the beginning, and knowing that the ultimate outcome of this sickness was to glorify the Father, Jesus, who “loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus… stayed two more days in the place where He was.” (John 11:5-6)
With the note from Mary and Martha in hand, He went into His secret place of prayer. Knowing His Father’s desires, He lifted the note and said, “Father, my heart and flesh want to run to our dear friends and take away their pain, but I know We have something greater planned.”
His Father replied, “Son, I know We are purposely risking our reputation as a caring friend and loving brother, this is not only for our glory but for their strength. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5) This must be done as planned. This is the family we have chosen to display our power. We trust them, and I know, even now, in the midst of their present doubts, they trust Us. They must know that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, impossible for Us, for You. (Luke 1:37)This will bring immense joy, not only now, but through eternity.”
“Father,” replied the Son, “Your wisdom is beyond question. Yes, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and it is good and always best.”
“Son, I understand that trusting in what cannot be seen, understood or imagined is difficult,” the Father responded. “I desire that my children learn through this experience that nothing is impossible for Us, for You, representing Us on earth. (Luke1:37)They must know that all power belongs to You, even power over death and the grave. (1Peter 5:11) This is not only to establish Your identity in Us, but also to establish their position in Us. There is purpose in everything, in Our silence, delays, and yes, Son, even at times when our action or inaction, appear uncaring. More than anything, We want them to know that We are faithful and they can trust Us. Even though Mary and Martha are hurting now, this story will encourage many throughout generations to come.”
“Father,” replied the Son, “Clothe in full humanity, my heart aches for them during this difficult time. Every human instinct in Me wants to run to their rescue. I can’t wait to go to them and wipe away their fears and tears. Yet I know there isn’t another way to achieve this greater glory; for them and for us. I’m sure they are thinking that if I truly loved them, that I would have responded immediately. What they think about Us matters a great deal. Father, keep their hearts from fainting. I’m looking forward to doing the impossible, not only for them, but for all who will believe.”
“Son, you know I always hear and respond to You to your prayers. Now they will know that as well.” (John 11:41-42)
Yeshua nodded in affirmation. Obeying the Father was more important to Him than life itself and He only did what He saw His Father doing. Suddenly, there was no distance, time or space between them. Only a deep, sweet, indescribable silence, as the Son adored His Father and the Father adored His Son. The Son knew no bounds with the Father and the Father lavished His Son. Their eyes reflected each other as their incomprehensible love radiated in glorious light.
As the light of day slowly rose on the horizon, Jesus’ gaze and attention shifted away from the Father and said, “It’s now time for Me to go to them.”