From the teachings of our Lord Jesus, we understand that sickness is limited. Jesus, the Great Physician, has the power to manage any illness, ensuring it stays within the boundaries He has set.
When Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, got sick, they sent for Jesus to heal him. But when Jesus heard it, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4). Jesus knew that sickness had restrictions. Therefore, Jesus was in no rush to return to Bethany. So, when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.
Jesus told His disciples that their friend Lazarus was asleep and that He was going to Bethany to wake him up. Eventually, Jesus told His disciples that Lazarus was dead. Because of his sickness, Lazarus was passing through death, but his sickness had limitations. In all illness, the Lord says to the waves of pain, “Here you shall go, but no further.”
Death Has Restrictions
The comforting truth is that sickness is limited. Our God has set boundaries for the time, manner, intensity, recurrence, and effects of our illnesses. He knew our despair before it began, each depression of spirit He knew beforehand, and each sanctifying result perpetually purposed. This truth reassures us that nothing escapes the ordained hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our heads.
When Jesus arrived in Bethany, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was in town, she went to Him and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
In her heart, Martha believed sickness had limitations. Jesus knew that Lazarus’ sickness had limitations. Therefore, He said, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” But Jesus answered, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She answered, “Yes, Lord, I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Lazarus Raised from the Dead
Mary also came to Jesus, fell at His feet, and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” Then Jesus groaned in the spirit, and He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said, “Lord, come and see.” But Jesus knew that even Lazarus’ sickness had restrictions and that Lazarus would live again. Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the cave where they laid Lazarus to rest and said, “Take away the stone.”
Lazarus’ sister Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, by this time, he is stinking, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus replied, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God? Roll away the stone!” Then Jesus lifted His eyes and said, “Father, thank You for hearing Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people standing by I said this, they may believe You sent Me.” Then Jesus yelled, “Lazarus, come forth!” And Lazarus came out bound in his grave clothes. Then Jesus told them to unwrap him and let him go.
Jesus and Death, the Last Enemy
When we grasp the essence of faith, we realize that sickness is limited. In His grace, God adjusts it to our strength according to His design and appointed purpose. Affliction is not haphazardly—God measures every ounce. The weight of every ounce of pain is accurately measured. He who made no mistakes in forming the clouds and distributing the stars made no errors when he composed our bodies and spirits. This grace-filled understanding of faith supports our journey through sickness and grief, empowering us with the knowledge of its limitations.
God tenderly appoints the limitations of sickness. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is necessary. Although a loving mother’s heart cries to save her child, no mother is more compassionate than our loving God. Our heavenly Father has considered our end. If you are sick, know that your sickness has a limit. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, be of good cheer; the last enemy that God will destroy is death.
