January 29

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.- John 11:16.

THE Saviour is never too late in his movements, or too confident in his resources. We often mistake: we undertake enterprises which we are not able to conclude. We begin what we are not able to finish. Then, there are different degrees of weakness and of strength. Bring two men to a staff: one will be able to break it, and the other not. But bring them to a mast, and they will both fail. But God has all power. “Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength.” “Nevertheless,” says the Saviour, “let us go to him.”

Observe-to him; not to them. “Why, for what purpose? It is too late-he is dead.” “It may be too late for you, but not for me. I turn the shadow of death into the morning. Your extremity is my opportunity. I love not only to do what is needful for my people, but to surprise them. I love to do for them above all they can ask or think. I love to help them when all helpers have withdrawn, and because they have withdrawn.” “Go to him?-why, he is laid out! he is dead!” Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Can the grave praise thee? He cannot receive thy visit! “But he can; he can hear me, he shall see me. He shall find that I am the resurrection and the life.”

And did he go in vain? Ah! Christians have their spots to which they retire; they often go to the grave to weep. Ah! could they fetch out the remains there deposited? Could they bring back a mother, a sister, a wife? It is in vain they stand there. But Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth!” and immediately he came forth. Oh, what a journey was that! Nevertheless, “let us go unto him.” Had you seen him you would only have seen one like yourselves. One of the disciples would here have stepped back and said, “Do you know who that is?” “No.” “Why, ’tis Jesus of Nazareth. Lazarus, a friend of his, is dead, and he is going to make his lungs heave, and to cause his blood again to flow in his veins; and the next night he means to sup with him and a large party.” Oh, you would have said, “Let us go with him; he does all things well.”

There are the Jews by the shore of the sea. They are to go forward. What! are they to go into the sea? Yes. What! are they to be drowned? No; he has all power, and will deliver them. Well, then, let us be no longer faithless, but believing.