Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending some time with my friend Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C., who shared about his latest book, The Grave Robber.
Batterson’s imagery raced through my mind as I read John 11-12 in Day 35 of the #LentChallenge and discovered a pair of words that make all the difference.
(Download your free reading guide, here).
Tragedy strikes the home of Mary and Martha. Despite calling on every doctor and apothecary in town, Lazarus’ color turns pale, his pulse slows, his mind blurs.
The sisters beg Jesus to come quick. Race. Speed. Buzz through traffic lights.
Jesus does the opposite.
He takes the scenic route, driving well below the speed limit. He stops for chips and snacks and far too many bathroom breaks.
By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus isn’t just dead; he’s disintegrating. Decomposition gnawing his flesh and bones.
Lazarus is gone yet Jesus is glad.
What kind of Savior is this? Why didn’t he press his toes on the gas pedal? Move faster? Rework the calendar?
A pair of power-packed declarations punch through the NIV translation:
I AM going there to wake him up.
I AM glad I was not there, so that you may believe.
Who is this I AM?
Jesus reveals:
I AM the resurrection and the life.
Ahh, yes…
Lazarus must die for faith to live.
Lazarus must breath his last for our hope to breathe anew.
Lazarus must become a corpse for Christ’s power to be displayed.
The great I AM reveals his authority over all things—including death. That’s why Jesus is the grave robber.
Years ago, I met a woman whose wayward son had gone down a path of self-destructive behavior including drugs, alcohol, and illicit affairs. I tell her story in more depth in The Organic God: Fall in Love With Jesus All Over Again.
After praying 10,000 prayers, crying 10,000 tears, and begging year after year, she felt exhausted, disappointed, and shattered by the heartache.
One day in the quiet stillness she heard God whisper two words to her:
I AM.
In that moment, she knew God was with her—and her son. He had heard every prayer. Her concerns had not slipped below his radar.
What do I most need to read but least want to hear?
I have places in my life where I need God to whisper I AM. I need to hear God echo I AM in areas of my health, provision, future, and family.
I bet you do, too.
Father, may you, the great I AM, take up residency in every crevice of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Where is the place that you most need to hear God whisper I AM to you?
[metaslider id=30121]
This story awakened something in me this morning Margaret…for me it was 2 words as well. It was when Jesus asked them to remove the stone so he could get to Lazarus and Martha says “But Lord”. How many times have I had the same response when He has asked to enter a place in my life I thought was “dead and buried” or “put to rest”? But Lord, it is stinky there, it offensive and hard to handle. Sigh…
This where I need to here him say I AM right here with you. I AM doing a good thing, a good work. I AM not just doing this for you, but for my glory.
Mmm, such a good word, Tara.
Before I headed out into a busy day, I opened your post and read through it pondering your question. Off to take my son to college where I walk while he is in class. On a particular street corner we pass each day was a girl sitting by the road holding a sign that said, “Have a nice day!” As I began my walk the first two songs that played on shuffle were about “I AM.” Turned on the radio in the car…another song about the great “I AM.” What a wonderful reminder that the great I AM is with me wherever I go. I need Him to constantly remind me of who He is….I am betting that He does, but I often fail to see or hear Him.
Thank you for your posts and wonderful bible studies. You are such an encouragement!
In my mothering. My little girl was so sick, she was in the ICU. She has an eating disorder and she needs Jesus’ healing power. She needs to hear His words, not the enemy. I need to let Him work. It’s so scary, she’s away at school. I must pray. I must let Him say……I AM! !