I have often said that it may be overlooked that words have meanings. Even the most trivial of words, to us, were placed in context with distinct meanings. How often do we all pass by many verses without noticing the unseen treasures that may be there. May God be pleased to enlighten those things that are hidden to the most ignorant of His babes.
Extra Credit: It seems difficult to find short devotions from some of the great theologians such as Calvin, J.C. Ryle or others. With that I did find this one from Martin Luther. A short pithy read on Eight Statements on Justifying Faith.
Jhn 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Jhn 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Jhn 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
- Was there any reason Mary stayed in the house?
In the Greek there are two words for ask. First (Aiteo) signifies a formal asking, the second (Eroteo) means a familiar asking. The one suited to express a need begged of a creator or someone of power over you, the other for a Son desiring of His Father or to request from someone you know personally. The former is never used of Christ with the Father except here on the lips of Martha. This drags Christ in her words down to the level of a prophet. This single word (Aiteo) reveals the thoughts of much of mans true thoughts and the nature of the true flesh.
It isnt much different with any of us. We to often have much to low opinion of God or much to high opinion of ourselves. The first thing we should take notice of with Martha, and look deep upon our own heart, is her thought that if only Jesus was there that her brother would not have died. Rest assured, and we to often forget, all things happen by His purpose. My own days are counted and my end shall come by the means, method, and place He has set. The next thing we need to heed is Marthas doubt that this was only a man that had the ear of God that may beg for concession. Rest assured, God accepted the sacrifice of His Son and was well pleased. Christ blood was sufficient and now Christ sets, as a full intercession for His child and ALL that you ask (Eroteo) in His name WILL be provided.
