In my family we talk about God's glory in relation to His creation. When we see an incredible sunset, "Wow, God is incredible." When we see or hear of some great movement of God we turn our conversation towards God's glory.
In my personal life I have a picture of God's glory in my mind as something of an intense glow. I have an image in my mind of a four layer cloud that lead the Hebrews out of the bondage of Egypt and into the promised land. In my mind, God's glory is something of power and awe to behold.
In chapter 11 of the book of John the glory of God is formed in a unique way. The glory of God begins with bad things happening to good people. In this chapter Lazarus had become sick and when Jesus was told of his sickness, he allowed Lazarus to die. There was crying and mourning. The funeral service was held and Lazarus was placed in the tomb.
A few days later Jesus arrived. Martha, Lazarus' sister came to meet Jesus. Jesus reminded her that Lazarus would rise again... and Martha agreed, that someday in the resurrection -way off in the distance- that Lazarus would rise from the dead. Then Jesus says to her in verse 25, "I am the resurrection and the life."
When they eventually came to the tomb of Lazarus and Jesus had the tomb opened, Martha reminded Jesus of the smell of the dead... and Jesus said in verse 40, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"
Jesus called out to Lazarus, and Lazarus walked out of the tomb to Jesus... ALIVE!
What really struck me about all of this is how everything began with Lazarus dying, and Martha mourning.
I recently did something rather stupid. I made a decision that had the ultimate result of hurting the feelings of someone close to me. The crazy part is that I never saw it coming. I never once thought that the decision I made would result in anyone being upset or being hurt.
Have you ever experienced this? Have you ever done something that had a totally unexpected result? It is a strange sensation for the few out there who have yet to experience the roller coaster of life. What began with one intention has resulted in something quite different, and now I am left wonder, what now?
In verse 45, many who saw believed in Jesus. The final condition was witness and faith all for the glory of God.
Typing this message tonight, my only prayer is that this will all end up being... for the glory of God...
