Ace's Sunday Sermon- Lazarus
One of the most painful yet powerful and beyond all, profound stories in the Bible occurs in the Gospesl of John.
John 11 The death of Lazarus.
Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and when Jesus was on the road preaching Lazarus became deathly ill. (literally) Mary had sent a messenger to tell Jesus of Lazarus' illness and condition. When the message got to Jesus he acknoledged it and kept preaching.
Fast forward. Lazarus is "graveyard dead". By the time Jesus got to Mary, Lazarus had been dead four days. Mary greeted Jesus with quite an attitude. She said "Lord, if you would have come in time you could have saved Lazarus" This is true. But think about it. Jesus knew, and took his time.
In John 11:35, it reads "Christ wept". I believe Jesus wept not just for Lazarus, but also for the grievers that prayed for Lazarus. Jesus let Lazarus die, so he could raise him. As the story continues, Jesus goes to the tomb, commands those there to "remove the stone", then calls to Lazarus " Lazarus come out". And Lazarus obeys. He is ressurrected to life and comes walking out of the tomb.
But think about how painful it was for everyone including Jesus, to let the situation worsen so Jesus could show the power of God.
Things still work that way. God let's you suffer to the point of unbelievable pain before he sends and answer. In doing so, He draws you closer to Him in dependence.
The other profound statement in this story is when Jesus called out, "remove the stone". Jesus couldn't work his miracle until the stone was removed. Often our stubborn hearts are referred to as "hardened" hearts. Hardened like stone. When we want God to work miracles in our lives, we need to remove the stone. It could be a stone of pride. It could be a stone of betrayal. It could be a "chip" on your shoulder. GET RID OF IT. Then allow God to come into your heart and work His will that the adversity was designed for.
Ace Out........................
John 11 The death of Lazarus.
Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus and when Jesus was on the road preaching Lazarus became deathly ill. (literally) Mary had sent a messenger to tell Jesus of Lazarus' illness and condition. When the message got to Jesus he acknoledged it and kept preaching.
Fast forward. Lazarus is "graveyard dead". By the time Jesus got to Mary, Lazarus had been dead four days. Mary greeted Jesus with quite an attitude. She said "Lord, if you would have come in time you could have saved Lazarus" This is true. But think about it. Jesus knew, and took his time.
In John 11:35, it reads "Christ wept". I believe Jesus wept not just for Lazarus, but also for the grievers that prayed for Lazarus. Jesus let Lazarus die, so he could raise him. As the story continues, Jesus goes to the tomb, commands those there to "remove the stone", then calls to Lazarus " Lazarus come out". And Lazarus obeys. He is ressurrected to life and comes walking out of the tomb.
But think about how painful it was for everyone including Jesus, to let the situation worsen so Jesus could show the power of God.
Things still work that way. God let's you suffer to the point of unbelievable pain before he sends and answer. In doing so, He draws you closer to Him in dependence.
The other profound statement in this story is when Jesus called out, "remove the stone". Jesus couldn't work his miracle until the stone was removed. Often our stubborn hearts are referred to as "hardened" hearts. Hardened like stone. When we want God to work miracles in our lives, we need to remove the stone. It could be a stone of pride. It could be a stone of betrayal. It could be a "chip" on your shoulder. GET RID OF IT. Then allow God to come into your heart and work His will that the adversity was designed for.
Ace Out........................
posted by Ace at
3:19 PM
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