John 11

Ver. 25, 26. Not only will the Father grant me whatever I request, but I have life in myself, and can quicken, spiritually or corporally, whomsoever I please. Every one therefore that believeth in me shall be quickened in his soul, and even in his body at the resurrection; or, if I please, in this world also And no one that, being spiritually quickened, believeth on me, shall ever undergo eternal death, nor shall his body be always continued in the state of the dead

John 11:41-43

Christ never prayed for power to work a miracle, having infinite power in himself; but here he thanked his Father for this opportunity of demonstrating his Messiahship, for the confirmation of his disciples and the conviction of others present. 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI—Jesus keeps an exact account of all his people’s works of faith and their labours of love. But the most eminent piety cannot exclude afflictions and death. Yet if Christ love us we may boldly apply to him in our distress. And happy is it if our troubles give him an opportunity to glorify himself, and either prepare us for, or usher us into, everlasting happiness. He often indeed sovereignly defers relief till it become seemingly impossible. But neither danger nor provocation can make him to neglect his work in its proper season. And with cheerfulness and activity we ought always to follow his example. The death of our godly friends should make life less sweet, death less bitter, and heaven more desirable, to us. Dead saints ought not to be lamented as lost, but as gone before, to be with Christ, and to be raised with him to glory—Many mournful changes may happen in a short time. And it is absurd to pride ourselves in our bodies that may quickly become so ugly and noisome. It is very friendly to attempt comforting the distressed; but only Jesus’ presence can afford solid relief. He at once delightfully acts as the mighty God, the object of faith, and roiser of the dead; and as the affectionate man whose heart sympathizes with the afflicted, and is burdened with their unbelief. With eagerness then should we run to meet him, and pour our lamentations, as well as our requests into his bosom. Secret fellowship may ascertain his approaching gracious deliverances. For quickly his salvation comes, whenever our heart is prepared for it by faith. And we never believe aright till we receive and rest on him as God’s eternal Son and our given Saviour. With eager delight he lays hold on every opportunity to comfort his people and glorify his Father; and with the greatest ease he can command instantaneous deliverances to either soul or body. No death, no bands, can hinder his work. Alas! that while his marvellous works affect some, they should but enrage others against him. And great must be the wickedness of human hearts that can be thus influenced. But none are more furious enemies to the Redeemer than careless clergymen; and nothing more hurries men into plots and practices against him than worldly views. While all things work together for the redemption of God’s elect, Jews or Gentiles, the sinful methods taken to preserve nations do but accelerate their ruin. While Christ hides himself, he may be sought for different ends; and, though he delay his approach, he will always attend the ordinances of his own grace