Common Sense vs. Uncommon Faith

When facing desperate straits that call for a miracle, should we exercise common sense or uncommon faith?  Consider the response of Jesus when Mary and Martha send word that their brother Lazarus is deathly ill.

Promise vs. Delay.  John 11:1-6.  As soon as Jesus receives word that Lazarus is sick, Jesus tells His disciples that his illness will not end in death.  That raises their hopes.  But then Jesus waits two more days before leaving for Bethany.

How about you?  How often do you second guess the Lord’s timing?  When God seems to delay, does your confidence in His promises wane?

Light vs. Darkness.  John 11:7-16.  Before they even set out, Jesus’ disciples question the wisdom of returning to Judea, where Jesus is a wanted man.  In fact, the pushback of His opponents will not let up for the rest of the Gospel of John.  Or the rest of the Bible for that matter.  Or the rest of human history!  Does Jesus back down?  Of course not!  No matter how dark the circumstances, Jesus walks in the light, undaunted by those walking in darkness (vv. 9-10).

Often we are told to clam up, cease and desist.  But when a need arises that calls you to step out in faithfulness to God, will you walk in the light or cower in the shadows?

Now vs. Later.  John 11:17-40.  When Jesus arrives four days late, both Martha and Mary complain about His tardiness: “Why didn’t You get here earlier?”  Jesus answers Martha with a profound promise, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (v. 25).  Martha says she believes (vs. 22, 27), but later on, when Jesus orders the stone rolled away from the tomb, she protests, because her sense of smell informs her that it’s too late for miracles (vv. 38-39).  Jesus assures her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (v. 40) — not only on the Last Day, when all the dead shall rise — but Now!  

How often do you allow your five senses to dictate that God cannot and will not do something spectacular here and now?  

Lively Faith vs. Lost Causes.  John 11:41-44.  At the tomb with a large crowd looking on, Jesus calls, “Lazarus, come out!”  As the crowd hushes and stares, Lazarus exits the tomb – walking, breathing, alive!  The miracle substantiates Jesus’ earlier prediction to the disciples that this sickness would not end in death, plus His promise to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life” (v. 25). 

Have you ever noticed how short and sweet resurrection prayers are?  Jesus never pleads with the Father, nor does He utter long elaborate prayers.  He simply speaks brief commands: 

• “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41).
• “Young man, I say to you, get up.” (Luke 7:14).
• “Lazarus, come out.” (John 11:43).

Commanding a resurrection is the most audacious and faith-filled prayer possible.  Yet Peter followed Jesus’ example: “Tabitha, get up” (Acts 9:40).  Years later, Paul, “threw himself on the young man [Eutychus who had fallen from an upper-story window] and put his arms around him. ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘He’s alive!’…  The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted” (Acts 20:10 & 12).

When confronted by hopeless cases and lost causes, will we dare to speak simple prayers of faith?

Fullness vs. Fraction.  What holds us back?  Are our reasons Bible-based or fear-based?  You might be wondering: Why even entertain the thought of praying for such extreme miracles.  Because when we see God’s fullness in Scripture, our faith should stretch to the size of God’s power and willingness, rather than shrink to the size of our tiny limitations.

When facing desperate straits that call for a miracle, will common sense shut our mouths, or will uncommon faith, given to us by the Holy Spirit, invite God to exercise His mighty, merciful, miraculous power?