16. When The Teacher Calls

From: My Heart's Desire
Maynard Force

When the Teacher Calls

The teacher is here and calleth thee. John 11. 28.

Death had visited the home of Martha and Mary. Lazarus, their beloved brother, had been suddenly snatched from them. With his passing had gone also their joy and happiness. It left them stunned. After four days of grief Jesus came, and word was sent to Mary,

''The teacher is here and calleth thee." How blessed a message for such a time as this! "The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to the heavy-hearted. No one but Christ can satisfy a heavy heart. Well-meaning friends try their best, but what are human beings at a time like this? It was Jesus alone who dared to say, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me" (John 14. 1). Faith is the only cure for heavy hearts. Faith in the Lord Jesus is also the key that will open the door of the dark prison of Heavy Heart and lead us into the freedom of God's sunlight. There are two truths that can help create such a faith. The first is: "He hath done all things well'' (Mark 7. 37). The second is: "For we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8. 28).

"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a word for those who think it is too late. Mary felt it was now too late, therefore she said, "Lord if thou hadst been here my brother had not died." This is a common mistake! Many are tempted to think it is already too late. Let us not forget that this is the day of grace, and it is not too late for Jesus to help us. He is able to take all those who belong to the ''too late'' class and change the whole situation for them. Many of His faithful followers today once belonged to this group. Remember, He "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3. 20). The apostle Paul saw this truth and triumphantly wrote, "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Philippians 4.13).

"The teacher is here and calleth thee" is a call to return to Jesus' feet. Mary "rose up quickly and went out . . . and fell down at his feet" (John 11.31-32). It was at Jesus' feet she had received such great blessings in the past. Now, in this moment of sorrow, she found her way back to His feet. What a blessed place to come to when one's heart is full of grief! How wonderful that the Master "is here and calleth thee"! He invites us to come to Him. Have you, by chance, been so overwhelmed by problems and sorrow that you have neglected your former place at His feet? Perhaps there was a time when you came there in quietness and poured out your heart to Him in prayer. Listen carefully, for the call is to you. "The teacher is here and calleth thee."

What a tragedy it would have been if unbelief had hindered Mary from answering this invitation! She would have missed witnessing the resurrection of her dear brother. What a tragedy for any soul to turn down such a blessed call! Regardless of what your condition is when these words find you, remember, "The teacher is here and calleth thee." Let us answer as Mary of old, by rising up quickly and falling "down at his feet."