Daily EncouragementSample

Our Lord’s delays are disturbing. Why did he not go at once? The implication is that he deliberately stayed where he was. He chose to stay. We sense that the writer expects us to be surprised, and we are. We may be disturbed, like those who cry. “How long, O Lord?“ and wonder why they are not heard.

Our Lord’s delays in no way cast doubt on his love. John emphasizes this, as he underlines the Lord’s love for each individual member of the family. From heaven’s viewpoint, his love is a reason for his delay. The “therefore” of the Authorized Version is not inaccurate.

Our Lord’s delays must be accepted as part of his sovereign will. Ultimately he delayed because that was his Father’s will - he had the same reason when he delayed going up to Jerusalem (John 7:1ff) and when he delayed at the wedding at Cana (John 2:3,4). Each time loved ones were involved.

Our Lord’s delays are part of his purpose, which is greater than we can imagine. Those who at best had hoped for healing instead saw death conquered by resurrection: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”