Archive for February 2022
Who Is Your Lazarus?
Who Is Your Lazarus?
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, were close friends of Jesus. So when their brother was ill, the sisters sent for Him, saying, “The one you love is ill.” (John 11:3)
But Jesus didn’t drop everything and leave. He waited two days before journeying to see Lazarus. As He departed he told his disciples that Lazarus was asleep and it was time to wake him.
When Jesus arrived, Martha hurried out to meet him. Her anguished cry reflects on our own during times of pain, “If You were here, this wouldn’t have happened…”
This is when Jesus reminds her of his Divinity. He says He’s the Resurrection and the Life and asks her if she believes.
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:27)
In times of pain—before the Lord has healed an illness or restored a relationship—it can be tempting to focus on what hasn’t happened or get trapped into an endless cycle of questions.
But Jesus encouraged Martha to focus on His identity, rather than her pain or her circumstances. Re-affirming what you believe about Jesus can be a powerful way to find peace, even in the middle of deep pain.
Jesus, I believe You are the Messiah. You came into the world to rescue and redeem me. I don’t know why it seems that You haven’t moved in my situation but I’m choosing to trust in Your character. You are good and faithful always. Amen.
Fulfilling God’s Plan
Fulfilling God’s Plan
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.” – John 18:10
When Judas betrayed Jesus, he brought with him men to take Jesus by force. But headstrong Peter grabbed a sword. His heart may have been in the right place but as he picked up the weapon, he struck one of the servants.
With one clean stroke, the man’s outer ear fell to the ground. Surprisingly, Jesus doesn’t thank Peter or congratulate him for his skill. Instead He says, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11)
In Luke 22, Jesus reaches out to the servant. Touching him, He heals the man’s ear. It’s his final healing miracle before the Cross.
At a moment when Jesus is about to enter the darkest time of His life, He has compassion. Jesus understood the servant was fulfilling God’s perfect plan by being there that night.
Sometimes, we rage against the people that are merely trying to do their job—like the cop that gives a ticket or the coach that pushes you each practice.
But often, these people are in place to make sure God’s plan is fulfilled. That cop who gave you a ticket may have saved you from a horrible wreck. That coach who pushed you may be the reason you become a better athlete.
Don’t resent those that God has placed in your life. Many times, they are doing His will, even if you don’t see it in the moment.
God, help me to respond with grace and compassion to people I find difficult to like. Teach me to be humble and kind to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Gods GLORY Displayed
God’s Glory Displayed
He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told
me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” – John 9:11
When Jesus and His disciples encountered a man that was blind, they were curious.
So, they decided to ask Jesus an interesting question. They said, “Who sinned that this
man was born blind? Was it his parents or him?”
Some well-meaning Christians believe that every illness or disability must be the direct
result of sin in a person’s life or in the person’s family. But that is rarely the case. Often,
no one has sinned or done anything wrong. Illness happens because we live in an
imperfect world.
And sometimes, God allows suffering for His own purpose. This is what Jesus meant
when He replied to His disciples.
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the
works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:3)
God can use any and every illness or disability to bring glory to His name. Sometimes,
He does that through physical healing (as the man born blind) and sometimes He does
that by giving you the strength to keep pressing on even when you’re living in a sick
body.
God, let me rejoice in illness and in disability, for I know the plans You have for me are
good. Use my brokenness to show the world how magnificent You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen