Dieu est notre refuge et ma force

"There was a sick man, Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha" "The sisters sent to say to Jesus: Lord, behold, the one you love is sick." John 11.

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Availability assured Jesus has just completed a bitter controversy with Jews gathered in the portico of Solomon. He saw them arm themselves with stones to stone him; He then retired with his disciples "beyond the Jordan to the place where John had been baptized".

The time he spends there is estimated at between three and four months, approximate space between the feast of the dedication and Passover; It takes until the announcement of the illness of Lazarus. "Lord... the one you love is sick".

The brevity of the message away from minimize the critical state of Lazarus, highlights instead.

Was it not that Martha and Mary believe that the imminence of a fatal outcome to inform the master?

They are more reluctant to send a Messenger.

They are certain that he will find Jesus, the recipient, and that it touched in his love for his friends, know what him to undertake.

The peaceful assurance and faith of Martha and Mary were beautifully rewarded: Jesus resurrects their brother.

This story primarily helps magnify the glory of God, but it is also written for our edification.

Indeed, the faithful, as Christians today, have been tested and continue to be by afflictions and even some distress as experienced it the son of Korah (second verse of the day).

Where to find then the refuge, where to draw the strength to "be of help at the right time" (Heb. (4-16)?

In the A. T. as in the N.T, one source is indicated: God.

And the reasons are given: because God is "easy to find" and "it takes care of us", even if the circumstances seem contrary.

That the son of Korah as stone, witness of the resurrection of Lazarus, can attest.

The one you love is sick or suffering, shot, distressed, disoriented, tormented... This prayer is enough.

God will wait maybe "two days" before taking action, but he will answer beyond all expectations (John 11 6: 40).