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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
the present life, but Jesus would teach his children that they must seize
every opportunity to gain that knowledge which will make them wise
unto salvation.
One of the dangers of the present age is devoting too much time
to business matters and to unnecessary cares, which we create for
ourselves, while the development of Christian character is neglected.
Careful, energetic Marthas are needed for this time, who will blend
with their prompt, decisive qualities that “better part” of which Christ
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spoke. A character of such combined strength and godliness is an
unconquerable power for good.
A dark cloud now hung over this quiet home where Jesus had
rested. Lazarus was stricken with sudden illness. The afflicted sisters
sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.”
They made no urgent requirement for the immediate presence of Jesus,
for they believed that he would understand the case and relieve their
brother. Lazarus was a firm believer in the divine mission of Jesus;
he loved him ardently and was in turn beloved by the blessed Master,
whose peace had rested on his quiet home. The faith and love which
the brother and sisters felt toward Jesus encouraged them to believe
that he would not disregard their distress. Therefore they sent the
simple, confiding message: “He whom thou lovest is sick.”
When Jesus received the message, he said, “This sickness is not
unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be
glorified thereby.” He accordingly remained where he was for two
days. After the messenger was sent, Lazarus grew rapidly worse. The
sisters counted the days and hours that must intervene between the
sending of the message and the arrival of Jesus to their aid. As the time
approached when they should expect him, they anxiously watched the
travelers who appeared in the distance, hoping to discover the form of
Jesus. All their efforts for the recovery of their brother were in vain,
and they felt that he must die unless divine help interposed to save
him. Their constant prayer was, Oh! that Jesus would come! He could
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save our beloved brother!
Presently their messenger returns, but unaccompanied by Jesus. He
bears to the sorrowing sisters the words of the Saviour, “This sickness
is not unto death.” But the hearts of the sisters fail them, for lo, their
brother is already wrestling with the fierce destroyer, and soon closes
his eyes in death.