SICKNESS

John 11:3

Our Lord's friend, Lazarus, was very sick. When his sisters saw their brother in grave danger, they sent this message to the Lord Jesus, "He whom thou lovest is sick." Martha and Mary knew that Lazarus' sickness was not an indication of the Lord's anger or displeasure. And they knew that the Lord Jesus could, if he would, heal Lazarus of his ailment. So they simply sent a word to Christ to inform him of their hearts' trouble: "He whom thou lovest is sick." In that brief sentence they implied their faith in and submission to the Lord Jesus. You can almost read between the letters and see the comfort of their hearts. These two dear women were hurting. Their brother was dying! But they found comfort in Christ.

How much sickness we have seen! It hurts to see loved ones and friends suffer and die, even when we are confident of their saving interest in Christ. But, in the midst of pain, there is comfort and strength for God's people in Christ. Our Lord himself has been there (Matt.8:17). Our Savior will never call upon us to walk any path he has not walked before us.Whatever we suffer in this world,our Lord suffered that and more to redeem us. We have a sympathizing High Priest in heaven (Heb. 4:15-16). Because Christ lived as a man upon the earth, he is touched with that which touches our hearts, moved by that which moves us, and feels that which we feel. How it helps to know that a friend understands what we feel in our hearts. And when that Friend is God our Savior, that is help indeed! The Lord assures us of his presence to help in the time of trouble (Isa. 43:1-4). He will hold you, when you have nothing to hold. He will strengthen you, when all strength is gone. He will help you when you are helpless. Our tender Lord will, himself, be a nurse to help us (Psa. 41:3). He will turn you upon the bed of languishing and make you comfortable in the midst of great sorrow, pain, and trouble. And the sickness of God's saints is never unto death (John 11:4). It may bring about the dissolving of this tabernacle of clay. But when this body is dissolved, then we begin to live; for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Don Fortner

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