"This sickness will not end in death." John 11:4
From Jesus' words we learn that there is a limit to sickness. The word "in" means that its ultimate end is restrained, and there is a limit beyond which it cannot go. Lazarus might pass through death, but death was not to be the end of his sickness. In all sickness, the Lord says to the waves of pain, "Up to now shall you go, but no further." His fixed purpose is not the destruction, but the instruction of His people. Wisdom hangs up the thermometer at the furnace moth, and regulates the heat. Three points I will share:
1. The limit is encouragingly comprehensive. The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestined, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of Him who numbers the hairs of our head.
2. The limit is wisely adjusted to our strength, to the end designed, and to the grace apportioned. Affliction is not a haphazard event - the weight of every stroke of the rod is accurately measured. He who makes no mistakes in balancing the clouds and measuring our the heavens, commits no errors in measuring out the ingredients which constitute the medicine of souls.
3. The limit is tenderly appointed. The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary. "He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." A love one's cries, "Spare him or her;" is no more compassionate than our gracious God who will love us forever.
0 comments