“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ‘Take away the stone,’ he said. ‘But, Lord,’ said Martha, the sister of the dead man, ‘by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ ” (John 11:38-40)
What could be more bizarre than this? Jesus, the teacher, the master, weeping and asking for the grave of his dead friend Lazarus to be opened? Was he hysterical, out of his mind with grief, forgetting that he’d come four days too late? Is that what Martha thought?
He has to remind her of his words so she can catch up with their meaning: “If you believe, you will see the glory of God.” How many of God’s most powerful promises have we filed away because we have heard them a million times without ever really connecting what they mean in the moment we’re experiencing?
What is the moment you’re experiencing today? Are you expecting God to do anything? Do you believe that his promises to you matter right now, that he loves to give good gifts today, that he’s with you in this moment?
Are you looking for the glory of God?
Think: What promises have you seen God answer in your real, everyday life? Which ones are you counting on him to keep?
Pray: Thank God that if you believe, you will see his glory.
Do: Make a quick list of five promises God has made to you in his Word. (Feel free to cheat by looking some up or phoning a friend if you have to.)