01 Jesus, the Great Disappointment
Have you ever been disappointed in someone? You know, they didn't respond or react the way you expected them to. It may have been a family member or co-worker or maybe a Christian friend. It could have been your pastor.
This sermon looks at a story in the gospel where Jesus did not respond how others expected him to. It caused some grief and hurt feelings and almost cost a friendship.
This is the story of Lazarus' death and the intentional delay of Jesus when called to come help.
Jesus made it clear that all that was happening was so that God would be glorified and others would believe.
Jesus, seemingly the great disappointed did eventually arrive at Lazarus' home. Of course, it was too late. He had already died and his sisters, Mary and Martha let Jesus know how greatly disappointed they were in him.
You probably know the story. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. In the end, only God was glorified - not Mary, not Martha, not even Lazarus, but God alone.
I wonder how often we pray and believe that God is not hearing or is ignoring our requests. Could it be he is intentionally delaying the response? I believe so. I also believe that regardless his answer, it is always intent on bringing glory to Himself.
It's good to remember this.
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