A demanding Christian

29 July 2023 Reflection - Memorial of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” - John 11:21

Martha surely is one of the interesting characters introduced in the New Testament. She had deep love for Jesus, which she showed through her selfless acts of service. However, we also know too well that she was not a perfect follower of Jesus, as she seemed to be complaining a lot especially when situations get too overwhelming.

Does Martha’s character resonate in me? Sure is. Too often I get excited when I am called to be of service to Jesus. There is a great sense of vigor and enthusiasm when I realize that what I am about to do is something that will glorify God and His presence will be manifested. But I also know that the true test of my faithfulness to God comes not in the easy situations but in times of difficulty and struggle. Most of the time when that happens, Martha’s character resonate in me all the more. I complain. I grumble. I groan. I pressure Jesus.

In today’s passage, it seemed like Martha was demanding to Jesus regarding her brother Lazarus’ death. Again her whingeing character came out: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Martha wanted the presence of Jesus to be in her favour. She was pressuring Jesus to act according to her timeline.

Again, Martha’s actions are very relatable to all of us. When things get too complicated, and when situations do not pan out according to our expectations, we ask Jesus to adjust to our circumstances.

It is as if our faith is based on the gravity of adjustment Jesus has to make in our situation.

If Jesus will grant what we ask of Him, we will believe; and if not, we will turn away.

Yet, even when we often have this kind of approach with our relationship with Jesus, He is always rich in patience towards us. I remembered before I reverted back to my faith, I demanded Jesus to make me involved in His Church. Looking back, I realized that I really had such audacity to challenge Jesus. But Jesus was able to change my demands to be able to work His way in restoring me to my faith and start rebuilding my relationship with Him.

The message of today’s passage is that Jesus invites us on a journey to really find true life in Him.

When our faith is new and young we normally start off like Martha, complaining and demanding about the complexities of our relationship with Jesus but is striving to choose to believe. As we go along the journey, we slowly become like Mary, actively listening to what He is saying and cherishing His words in our hearts. And as we begin to deepen the relationship with Him, that is, fully trusting and fully putting our hope in Him despite whatever circumstances we are facing, only then can we become like Lazarus who receives resurrection and restoration into a life that is fully lived.

Today, may we find confidence to trust when we hear Jesus speak. He never fails in His promises. When He reveals His plans, we can be assured that He will fulfill it. We do not need to demand and pressure Him.

We simply need to trust that everything will be accomplished, not according to our own timeline, but according to His.

Dear Papa,

I praise and thank You for revealing to me the reality of Your resurrection through Your beloved child Lazarus. As You raised him from the dead, You also gave me hope that I will also receive my resurrection as long as I believe and follow You.

I know at times I demand more from You, that I grow impatient in waiting for the brekthrough to happen in my life. Too often I get discouraged when I do not see Your ways unfolding in my situation that I drift away from You. Help me to understand, Papa.

Help me to realize that my breakthrough works best in Your will and timeline, that Your ways are far better than my own.

Instruct me to lean more to You, no matter my season, that I may see and know the plans You have for me with joy and hopeful anticipation. Encourage me to praise and thank You even in the waiting, to fix my gaze on You even in uncertainty.

Strengthen my faith, Papa, that I may continue to persevere to achieve resurrection and the fullness of life You have promised to fulfill.

All these I pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Saviour, together with the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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