Episode 2370: Omniscience of God - Morning Episode

Today, we reflect on the unwavering faith of St. Martha and the comforting omniscience of God, drawing from the Gospel of John and the wisdom of St. John Henry Newman. Together, these insights will help us understand the depth of God’s knowledge and love for us, and how we can trust in His timing, even in the face of adversity.
The Faith of St. Martha
The story of St. Martha in John 11:21-22 is a testament to unwavering faith in the midst of sorrow:
"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." — St. Martha (John 11: 21-22)
St. Martha's words reveal a profound trust in Jesus, despite the grief of losing her brother, Lazarus. She acknowledges Jesus' power and authority, believing that even now, He can ask anything of God and it will be granted. This moment highlights the deep faith Martha had, not only in Jesus' ability to heal but also in His divine connection with the Father.
Martha's faith challenges us to trust in God's timing and His plans, even when they don't align with our own. Her belief that Jesus could still act after Lazarus' death teaches us to hold onto hope and faith, knowing that God's power is not limited by our circumstances.
The Omniscience of God
St. John Henry Newman provides a beautiful meditation on God's omniscience:
"My great God, you know all that is in the universe, because you yourself have made it...You know the thoughts and purposes of every soul as perfectly as if there were no other soul in the whole of your creation. You know me through and through; all my present, past, and future are before you as one whole...Teach me to love you more, and then I shall be at peace, without any fear of you at all."
Newman's reflection reassures us that God’s knowledge of us is complete and intimate. He knows every detail of our lives, our thoughts, our intentions, and our struggles. This omniscience is not something to fear but to find comfort in. Knowing that God sees and understands every aspect of our lives can bring us peace and confidence in His perfect plan for us.
In the context of Martha's story, this understanding of God's omniscience reminds us that Jesus knew the situation of Lazarus' illness and death intimately. His delay in coming was not out of neglect but part of a greater plan to reveal God's glory and strengthen the faith of those who witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection.
The Power of Jesus' Command
The climax of John 11 reveals Jesus' power over life and death:
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Laz′arus...[Jesus] cried with a loud voice, 'Laz′arus, come out.' The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'" — John 11:5 & 43-44
Jesus' command to Lazarus demonstrates His divine authority and the fulfillment of Martha’s faith. It shows that Jesus has power even over death, a power granted by the Father. This miracle is a foretaste of the resurrection, offering hope to all believers that death is not the end, and that in Jesus, there is eternal life.
For us, this passage is a powerful reminder to trust in Jesus' commands and timing. Even when faced with the greatest challenges, we can have confidence that He is in control and that His love and power are beyond measure.
Conclusion
As we conclude this episode let us take to heart the lessons from St. Martha's faith and the omniscience of God. Let us strive to trust in God's timing and His perfect knowledge of our lives. Remember, as Martha believed, that Jesus has the power to bring life and hope even in the most difficult situations.
Thank you for joining us today. May you be strengthened in your faith, trusting in the boundless love and perfect knowledge of our Lord. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His care.