The Same Yesterday and Forever

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). Often in life, we desire and believe in outcomes that never materialize. Instead, we are met with events that are usually unwelcome. The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a prime example. Martha and Mary call for Jesus when Lazarus falls ill, confident in his ability to heal. They anticipate their brother's recovery, but instead, Lazarus passes away. Four days post-mortem, Jesus arrives; Martha rushes to greet him, while Mary remains indoors, possibly angered by the unfulfilled healing of her brother. Martha, too, is distressed. We can see this because she says, “… if you would hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21). However, she still shows a little bit of faith by her next words, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee“(John 11:22).

After speaking with Jesus, Martha summons her sister Mary. Mary repeats to Jesus what Martha had said. Jesus recognized that both Martha and Mary were distressed. He was aware that their faith needed strengthening. Nonetheless, he showed compassion, which is evident from the fact that he wept alongside them. Martha possessed some faith, yet she struggled with doubt. However, “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40). Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead were laid and Jesus prayed. Afterwards, “…he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:43-44). Jesus took the faith she possessed, amplified it, and performed a miracle that bolstered the faith of Mary, the disciples, and everyone in that town.

Often, we become upset or angry believing that God is inactive. Yet, we are not privy to God's plan. There are occasions when God intends to use us as witnesses to greater things, similar to what has been done before. Remember that Jesus is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” Hebrews 13:8.


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Jesus will do for you what he has done for others.