Jesus loved Martha and Mary, and their brother Lazarus. He often spent his time with them as He journeyed to Jerusalem. For their home was in Bethany, which is "located about 1.5 miles (2 km) to the east of Jerusalem on the south-eastern slope of the Mount of Olives".
They were His friends during His time on Earth. And they "were genuine children of God, and true Christians".
And yet these women seemed to have the mind that I so often have; one of belief, and yet unbelief at the same time. They saw the Lord Jesus as the Messiah. They "saw indeed, but through a glass darkly". They "knew, but only inpart". They "believed, but [their] faith was mingled with much unbelief." Do you ever find yourself trusting in Christ, and yet uncertain at the same time? I do. I have other times of trusting and very confident in God's truth and promises. I think the lesson for us all is to know it is by His grace and mercy that we can trust at all. And so, when are trusting is weak, Christ doesn't love us any less, and in fact when we say, "Lord I do trust You, but my trust feels so uncertain at this time", we can know Jesus cares, and will meet us right there. Not because we love Him, but becasue He first loved us.
Here are some good words from Bishop Ryle's comments on John's Gospel the eleventh chapter:
"These things are graciously written for our learning. It is good to remember what true Christians really are. Many and great are the mistakes into which people fall, by forming a false estimate of the Christian's character. Many are the bitter things which people write against themselves, by expecting to find in their hearts what cannot be found on this side of heaven. Let us settle it in our minds that saints on earth are not perfect angels, but only converted sinners. They are sinners renewed, changed, sanctified, no doubt; but they are yet sinners, and will be till they die. Like Martha and Mary, their faith is often entangled with much unbelief, and their grace compassed round with much infirmity. Happy is that child of God who understands these things, and has learned to judge rightly both of himself and others. Rarely indeed shall we find the saint who does not often need that prayer, "Lord, I believe: help Thou mine unbelief." -John Charles Ryle, 1816-1900
2 comments:
I really love this post! This is me to a T, faith, always there, but sometimes weak. I would just like to discontinue, but guess I never will shed myself of human nature until I meet Jesus face to face!
Amen sister. Thanks for coming by.
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