If you had been here

“Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him; but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou have been here, my brother had not died.”

The absence of Jesus during the sickness of Lazarus created a vacuum and led to his death. Life is all about influence; and influence must be positive. Jesus is not only the Saviour, but also a hope giver in time of problems. As our Master, He lived to influence and added values to people’s life. The family of Lazarus had hope in the leadership of Jesus and what they believed He could do in their brother’s life, when he fell sick. Waiting for two days before responding to the distress call does not mean that He was careless about human life.

Martha’s statement unto Jesus, when He eventually arrived showed that she had confidence in the ability and power of Jesus at all time. For God to delay does not mean He has forgotten you or that He cannot add value to your life again.

First, the absence of Jesus at the sick bed does not mean He could not manifest His power at his grave. Jesus manifests his power when humans are hopeless. At any point in time, Jesus is able to bring solution to every problem. There is no late hour in His agenda. Whether He comes now or later, what He says He will do.

Second, the presence of Jesus changes life from worse to best. “Jesus said, Take away the stone, Martha said, into him, Lord, by this time he is stinking; for he had been dead four days” (John 12:39). The presence of Jesus at any difficult situation brings glory and honour to His name. Jesus re-affirmed that I am the resurrection and life, which means I am able to bring the dead situation alive. Trust and believe in Him and you will never be disappointed.

Last, Jesus is able to give life to any dead situation. Your enemy might have kept you in the forgotten grave, your marriage is shaking and about to collapse, or your case is barrenness. Come to Jesus the restorer of destiny, and your glory will come out of the grave in Jesus name.

How many people can miss your absence in the family, Church and your community? Emulate the life of Jesus, Who added value to people’s life. Don’t add value to people’s life because of what you will gain from them, but do so for the sake of heaven and humanity. Christmas is approaching and many are hungry and angry. What impact can you make in their lives?

Rev Dr. Emmanuel Ojo, Christ the Rock Baptist Church Mende, Maryland. 08034538413