Do you (really) Believe?

Background John 11:1-16

and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. (John 11:15)

DO YOU (REALLY) BELIEVE?

“THAT’S NOT THE WAY TO DRIVE A TRUCK,” I said, with thirteen-year-old arrogance, as the little girl pressed the pedals in kiddie-car fashion. “That’s the brake, and that’s the clutch,” I said, really wanting to be at the wheel myself! I didn’t know that much, nor could I drive. “I know more than you do, I should sit there,” I thought.

In spite of her immaturity, she knew things I was not accepting! It was her daddy’s new red truck, not mine! She was his daughter. She did not trust me, so would not move!

Is that what is happening between Jesus and his disciples, as they learn of Lazarus’ sickness? He knew things that they did not accept or believe. Their comments revealed it as they prepared to go to Bethany. They could not understand Jesus.

Jesus, however, knew that what was happening to his friend, Lazarus, would bring glory to God and Himself. It verified Who God was, and pointed forward to the cross, and the plan of Redemption.

Sometimes we experience the disruption of the temporal, so that God can reveal the eternal. Do you feel what Thomas and the others feel? Have you complained, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Follow Him expectantly, a surprise awaits you!

- Paul Wilson

Accept and follow Christ obediently today. You will really believe!

© 2008 by Wesleyan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Wesleyan Publishing House.