Lord, Come and See

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” – John 11:34 NKJV

When I read the story of the death of Lazarus this morning, these simple words struck me. Jesus had come to Bethany from where He was ministering because He loved Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus. Now, the One whom others had been invited to “come and see” was himself being asked to “come and see.”

It reminded me of our prayer lives. Yes, He is God and certainly knows what we need already, but isn’t it endearing to think of being able to extend an invitation to Him to “come and see” those needs? We feel burdens for others, perhaps a family member that is suffering. “Lord, my loved one is fighting cancer. Come and see.” A situation in the world that is devastating. “Lord, come and see what is happening in Afghanistan and Haiti.” Our own personal trials, tribulations, and temptations. “Lord, come and see where I’m struggling.” I recently heard a Bible teacher (probably Dr. David Jeremiah) talk about how although God knows everything, He is also a father and loves to hear His children ask.

We continue in prayer and wrestle in prayer because we know God cares, and we are His children. Children naturally run to their mother or father as the only one who can do something about a situation. The asking endears the parent to the child and the child to the parent. And in the end, it is the relationship that matters most in our lives, not the request. Scraped knees, broken toys, and fights with siblings will long be forgotten, but the bond between parent and child will remain, and be stronger for it.

Always on my heart are those for whom this type of relationship with a parent seems idealized. It did not, or does not, match your reality. My prayer for you is that God will “come and see” the hurt and harm done by that situation, and that He will begin to heal those wounds for you. It is possible. More than that, He wants to.

Lord, You are not a God who is far off, no, You are near to each one of us. I invite You to come and see what Your children need. What the world needs. What I personally need. I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. In Jesus Name Amen.

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