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Sermon #2432 — Miscellaneous Sermons

 

Title:   ÒHe whom Thou Lovest is Sick.Ó

 

Text:                            John 11:1-7

Subject:                     Sickness

Date:                          Sunday Morning Bible Class

                                                August 5, 2018

Introduction:

 

I think much about sickness and death. How many, many friends we have who are sick, some very sick.

á      Dave Coleman

á      Ruth Peterson

á      Bill Rolley

á      Mark Daniel

á      Mark Iverson

á      Karen Dutra

á      Bobbie Buckner

á      Carter Brown

 

For some the sickness may be brief or a brief prelude to death. For others the sickness is protracted. — Every time I get a call, a letter, an email, or a visit telling me of another friend, another brother or sister in Christ who is gravely ill, I fall on my face before God and cry, — ÒBlessed Father, another of your dear children is sick. Help me to help these dear friends.Ó

 

Thinking about these things, my thoughts and meditations in recent weeks have focused much on the 11th chapter of JohnÕs Gospel and that very sweet story of the blessed family at Bethany, the instructive story of Lazarus, his sickness, his death, and his resurrection. If the Lord will enable me, I want to talk to you about sickness.

 

(John 11:1-7) ÒNow a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (2) (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) (3) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. (4) When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. (5) Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. (6) When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. (7) Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.Ó

 

You have the title of my message before you in the 3rd verse of this instructive, comforting chapter. Martha and Mary, sent this brief message to the Lord Jesus. — ÒHe whom Thou Lovest is Sick.Ó ThatÕs my subject. ThatÕs the title of my message. May God the Holy Ghost be our Teacher as we think about this note to the Lord Jesus from his heavy-hearted friends, Martha and Mary. — ÒHe whom Thou Lovest is Sick.Ó

 

Sickness and Faith

 

Those who are dearly loved of God frequently suffer sickness and disease. Realizing this fact, it is important for us to understand something about GodÕs purpose in the sickness of his children. And it is important for us to prepare ourselves to glorify our God when sickness comes upon us and those we love. It is my desire, in preaching this message, that the Lord our God will enable me to help you and others of his suffering children to glorify him.

 

Yes, true believers often suffer from sickness and disease in this world. Sickness does not imply a lack of faith or a lack of nearness to and communion with God. Sickness is not a sign of GodÕs displeasure or a lack of faith on our part. Eventually, all GodÕs saints get sick and die.

  • Job
  • David
  • Hezekiah

 

The fact is sickness is sent to us by our heavenly Father for our benefit. That which is aggravating to our bodies is often good for our souls. Sickness tends to draw our affections away from the world to Christ. Sickness sends us to our knees, sends us to our Bibles, and sends us to our Savior. Anything that accomplishes these things is good!

 

Sickness reminds us that life in this world, at its best, is but a vapor that is soon gone. Sickness forces us to look to the grave, look past the grave to the judgment, and look past the judgment to eternity. Whenever sickness comes, be it nothing more than a cold or something as serious as cancer, let us be patient before the Lord, ever mindful of the fact thatÉ

á      Sickness is the fruit of sin.

á      Sickness is the forerunner of death.

á      Sickness and health, life and death are alike in the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ.

á      For believers, sickness is never unto death.

 

Illustration: Richard Baxter — ÒAlmost well!Ó

                                                            Charlie Payne — ÒBetter or Well!Ó

 

á      And our sicknesses, whatever they are, are for the glory of God.

 

The Bethany Family

 

You are familiar with Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus.

  • These three people trusted the Lord Jesus.
  • They loved the Savior.
  • They lived by faith.
  • They earnestly sought the will, the honor, and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • They were all saved people.
  • They saw the glory of God in Christ.
  • They were among the very few in that day who worshipped Christ as God, their Savior and King.
  • And the Lord Jesus loved them. John says, — ÒNow Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and LazarusÓ (v. 5).

 

But Lazarus was now very, very sick. Martha and Mary knew that the Lord loved them and their brother. And they knew that the Lord could heal Lazarus if he would. So they sent a message to the Lord Jesus saying, — ÒHe whom thou lovest is sick.Ó Blessed are those who can follow thier example of simple, confident faith.

 

Loved but Sick

 

The Lord loved Lazarus. Yet Lazarus was sick. It is evident, then, that sickness is not a sign of GodÕs anger or displeasure. In their time of need, Martha and Mary turned to the Lord in simple, confident, submissive faith. They simply informed the Lord of their trouble. They did not ask for anything, much less demand anything from him. They simply told him of their heartÕs burden. They were resigned to the LordÕs will and submissive to his purpose.

 

Knowing ChristÕs love and power, they knew that he would do that which was best. And Martha and Mary fixed their confidence on the Lord himself. They did not say, — ÒHe whom we love,Ó — or ÒHe who loves and serves you,Ó — or even ÒHe who has great faith in you.Ó They simply said, ÒHe whom THOU LOVEST is sick

 

You know how the story ended. The love, grace, and power of our Lord Jesus Christ were greatly displayed. The faith of Martha and Mary was strengthened. And many were converted. In it all, God was greatly glorified.

 

With these things in mind, I want you to consider four very basic, practical questions about this matter of sickness among GodÕs people.

 

The Reason

 

1st Why does sickness come? How do you answer your little childÕs question, ÒDaddy, why do people get sick and die?Ó What is the reason for it? What is the cause? The Word of God alone can give a reasonable and satisfactory answer. Sickness, disease, pain, and death are the results of human sin (Romans 5:12). One great proof of original sin is the fact that even babies and little children get sick and die. If there were no sin, there would be no sickness and no death. Still, a question arises: — Why do those whose sins are forgiven, those who are loved of God get sick?

 

Of this much I am sure — God could prevent it. Pay no attention to those who tell you that it is not GodÕs will for his people to suffer or become sick. If such were not GodÕs will, it wouldnÕt happen. When sickness comes, it comes by the hand of God according to his own will and purpose. And if our sickness comes from God, there is a good purpose behind it (Romans 8:28).

 

Mark this down and remember it: — Often, very often, those who are loved of God are afflicted with sickness, disease, and that which causes them weakness and pain..

 

ÒThose whom the Christ loves are no more exempt from earthly trouble and anguish than others; rather they are bound over to it more surely.Ó (Trench)

 

Job, David, Hezekiah, Paul, and Epaphroditus were all faithful and beloved servants of God; and they all suffered painful and protracted sickness.

 

Yes, our God, our heavenly Father has a good purpose in bringing his children down upon a bed of sickness. A loving FatherÕs hand will never cause his child a needless tear.

 

ÒI venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been of more use to GodÕs saints than health has.Ó — C. H. Spurgeon

 

  • By this means he tries and proves the sincerity of our love and faith.
  • Sickness has a way of humbling and mellowing our hearts, teaching us patience and increasing our faith.
  • Sickness, when sanctified to our hearts, reminds us of the vanity of this world, the brevity of life in this world, and the helplessness of man.
  • Through pain and sickness Christ will often become more precious to his people.
  • And sometimes God makes one of his children sick for the good of another. Mary and Martha needed to learn something that could only be taught by the sickness and death of their beloved brother, Lazarus.

 

Matthew Henry wrote, ÒSometimes Christ sees that we need the sickness for the good of our souls more than the healing for the ease of our bodies.Ó

 

Richard Sibbes said, ÒThe time of sickness is a time of purging from that defilement we gathered in our healthÉThat is a good sickness which tends to the health of the soul.Ó

 

Physical sickness is an instrument by which God makes his saints more healthy. By weakness he makes us strong. By need he teaches us to pray. By great sorrow he opens the door for great comfort.

 

Whatever his purpose may be, our hearts rest in this assurance: — The sickness of GodÕs children is Òfor the glory of God.Ó

 

(John 11:4) ÒWhen Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.Ó

 

Our Comfort

 

2ndWhat comfort do GodÕs children have in their times of sickness? It is a great comfort to have loving friends who manifest their love and care in so many ways. True, loving friends are a great blessing from the Lord. But we have a greater source of comfort than the best of friends can provide.

 

We are comforted by the fact that our Lord himself has been there (Matthew 8:17).

 

(Matthew 8:14-17) ÒAnd when Jesus was come into PeterÕs house, he saw his wifeÕs mother laid, and sick of a fever. (15) And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. (16) When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word and healed all that were sick: (17) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses

 

  • He took them to his heart.
  • He took them into his body upon the cursed tree.

 

Our blessed Lord will never call upon you my brother, or you my sister, or me to walk any path that he has not already walked. Since he has felt the very pain we endure, be assured that he sympathizes with us in every painful thing he brings upon us. We have a sympathizing High Priest in heaven who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

 

(Hebrews 4:11-16) ÒLet us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (13) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Ó

 

He is able both to comfort and to help. — ÒFor in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.Ó (Hebrews 2:18)

 

Our Lord Jesus has also assured us of his presence in the midst of our deepest distress.

 

Illustration: ÒIt is I; be not afraid

 

His word isÉ

 

(Isaiah 43:1-4) ÒBut now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (2) When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (3) For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. (4) Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.Ó

 

In the midst of your sickness, the Lord himself will be a nurse to help you and make your bed comfortable (Psalm 41:3).

 

(Psalms 41:3) ÒThe LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.Ó

 

And we have this comfort, too — our sickness is not unto death. Like Lazarus, we who believe shall never die. We were and are crucified with Christ. And those who have already died cannot die again! We are a resurrected people who cannot die!

 

(John 11:25-26) ÒJesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?Ó

 

These bodies may die; but, like Lazarus, we will live again.

 

The Benefits

 

3rdWhat are the benefits of sickness to GodÕs believing people? IÕve already touched on this. So, I will say little here. Let me just share with you some of those benefits I have gained from my own experience with sickness. IÕve never known much, but the Lord has allowed me to experience a little sickness. And IÕm sure that one reason he has done so has been that I might learn by experience that which he would have me to teach you.

 

á      Sickness causes us to pray. Regrettably, we do not do much praying until we have need.

 

á      By sickness I am made to see the vanity of all earthly things. None of those things for which men labor so hard are of any real value. Houses, lands, fame, financial security, and great learning will afford no comfort to a sick and dying man.

 

á      By sickness I am made aware that sooner or later every earthly tie must be broken. Do not hold to anything too tightly. Soon you will have to let go.

 

Illustration: ÒThese are the things that mke it hard to die.Ó

 

á      By sickness I am made to see the brevity of time. My days are numbered. The night will soon come when no more work can be done. If I am to do anything for the furtherance of the Gospel, for the kingdom of Christ, or for the glory of God, it must be done now.

 

á      By sickness I am made more sympathetic toward my suffering brethren (Galatians 6:2; Matthew 25:36, 40).

 

(Galatians 6:2) ÒBear ye one anotherÕs burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.Ó

 

(Matthew 25:36) ÒNaked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.Ó

 

(Matthew 25:40) ÒAnd the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Ó

 

á      And by sickness I am reminded that Christ is all. Truly, he is all my Hope. He is all my acceptance with God. He is all my strength. He is all my righteousness. He is all my life. He is all my desire (Psalm 73:25-26).

 

(Psalms 73:25-26) ÒWhom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. (26) My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.Ó

 

The Lessons

 

4th What are we to learn from these things? Child of God, learn to take your cares to the Lord. Cast all your care upon him. He does care for you. Learn to submit to the hand of GodÕs providence, leaving your cares to the wisdom and goodness of God. — ÒThough he slay me, yet will I trust him.Ó Do not hold anyone here too dear. — Lazarus died (v. 14).

 

If God calls your dearest loved ones home, do not try to hold them and do not murmur. The Lord desires to have them. And that is best (John 17:24).

 

(John 17:24) ÒFather, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Ó

 

We must all learn to live in the immediate prospect of eternity.

 

And learn this: — Our days of sickness, sorrow, and pain will soon be over. If we die in faith, it will be a happy, welcome death (2 Corinthians 5:1, 6).

 

(2 Corinthians 4:17-18) ÒFor our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.Ó

 

(2 Corinthians 5:1-9) ÒFor we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2) For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: (3) If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. (4) For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. (5) Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (6) Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (7) (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (9) Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.Ó

 

(2 Corinthians 5:10-16) ÒFor we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (12) For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. (13) For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. (14) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15) And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (16) Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.Ó

 

(2 Corinthians 5:17-21) ÒTherefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (20) Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.Ó

 

If we live until Christ comes, we will rejoice. He is coming to take us to a home that knows no sickness, nor pain, nor death (Revelation 21:4).

 

(Revelation 21:4) ÒAnd God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Ó

 

Child of God, seek to honor Christ in your times of sickness. He is honored by the faith, patience, submission, and love of his suffering children. Walk by faith in his fellowship and communion while you are in health; and when you are sick, it will not be lacking.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Don Fortner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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