When God Seems Too Late (A Sermon by Bryson Cook)

In the recent "Move" sermon series from the church, an impactful prayer was introduced: "God, how do you want to move in me and through me?" This theme resonates with many families involved in this spiritual journey, particularly the Cook family, who have responded to God's calling. Bryson Cook, the campus pastor from Southern Indiana, along with his wife Holly and their daughters Madison and Lucy, is set to lead the merger of Franklin Christian Church into Southeast’s Franklin Campus, officially launching on August 17 of this year. This move exemplifies a profound commitment to faith, obedience, and the belief that God orchestrates such journeys for a greater purpose.

Bryson introduced the message titled "When God Seems Too Late" based on John chapter 11, addressing a common human experience: the feeling of God not aligning with our timing. Everyone faces moments of waiting that can stretch our patience and challenge our faith. Bryson shared a humorous anecdote from early in his marriage where his desire to prepare a romantic dinner for Holly went awry, illustrating the impatience that many couples display, especially when expectations do not match reality. This unfolds into a broader commentary on society’s intolerance for waiting—be it for fast food or online deliveries—acknowledging that we live in a culture that prizes instant gratification.

In reflective conversation, Bryson emphasized waiting as an inevitable aspect of life—whether it's trivial like waiting in line, or serious like awaiting news during a time of crisis. The narrative of Lazarus, who became gravely ill, provides a powerful setting. Despite the sisters Mary and Martha reaching out to Jesus with urgency, their brother's condition worsened. Notably, scripture emphasizes Jesus’ love for them despite his delayed arrival, leading to the staggering moment of Lazarus passing away. This delay evokes deep frustration and questions about faith as the sisters grapple with their loss. Bryson underscores this reality by drawing parallels to personal experiences of grief where waiting can erode confidence in hope.

In the biblical text, after Lazarus' death, upon Jesus' eventual arrival, Martha confronts Him with a raw plea: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." This sentiment strikes a chord with many who have felt abandoned in their struggles. It highlights the human tendency to perceive God's delays as neglect or absence. Yet, Jesus reassures Martha, proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life." This statement doesn't just offer hope for the afterlife; it positions Jesus as the source of life itself. Bryson explains that true belief transcends mere acknowledgment of facts; it involves a heartfelt trust in Jesus amid trials.

As the narrative progresses, Jesus encounters Mary, who expresses the same sentiment as Martha. This moment encapsulates the depth of human grief and showcases Jesus’ empathy. By weeping alongside them—despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus—Jesus affirms the legitimacy of sorrow and our need to feel and express emotions of pain. Bryson encourages listeners to embrace raw emotions in prayer, reminding them that God welcomes honest expressions of grief and doubt.

When Jesus commands that the tomb be opened, Martha hesitates, revealing a possible crisis of faith when faced with the reality of death. Yet it’s crucial to note the significance of the fourth day after death—transforming the belief that resurrection was still possible. Thus, when Lazarus is called forth from the dead, it not only demonstrates Jesus’ power over death but is a foreshadowing of all He can offer to humanity. This monumental act reinforces the belief that trust in Jesus is foundational, especially during the difficult wait times we encounter in life.

Bryson concludes by looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to eradicate death and pain, alluding to the hope embodied within the Christian faith. He invites believers to deepen their trust in Jesus and ask for glimpses of God’s active love, despite overwhelming situations. Ultimately, life’s inevitable waiting periods can become opportunities to develop resilience and strengthen faith, prompting believers to reflect on their relationship with Jesus as the source of resurrection and life. This framework calls for openness to God’s eventual plans and reassures that ultimately, God’s love underpins His timing and actions.