John 12:9 A large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was in Bethany. They didn't come only to see Jesus. They came to see Lazarus. Was Lazarus really raised from the dead? The chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death because on account of him, many of the Jews were going away and believing.
I have wrestled with what is success in the eyes of the Christian world? Is it about advancing the Gospel? What stirs deeply in my heart? Is it about getting killed for the sake of the Gospel? Unbelievable! God gives Lazarus life and the priests want to take his life away. So what does success look like in my life and yours? Is it about being held in high esteem? What do you say to yourself when there is a price put on your head? You would think that Lazarus would be honored and esteemed for his faith and courage. No, Lazarus became a target. Not quite the response they were expecting.
After reading the Bible numerous times, I am always amazed by what I have missed. I didn't realize the priests wanted to kill Lazarus because he was risen from the dead. Human nature is so petty and spiteful. God nature is love, forgiveness, kindess, joy, peace, and longsuffering.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for Sally, Drew, Matt and Matthew. God is working in mysterious ways in our precious strand of pearls. We are drawing closer through our prayers.
I am so thankful for His grace and mercy in our lives. Mike and I came home from our trip late Saturday nigt, sick with bronchitis. Sunday morning was Grad Sunday, and Sunday evening, Baccalaureate. Our Doctor saw us early monday, and by friday we were better for our daughter's graduation. He provided strength for us to do what had to be done, gave us family and friends with willing hands to do the rest. The party on Sunday was a great success, although Mike had an accident with an avocado and a knife, nearly stabbing entirely through his hand. Knowing God always makes a way,our friend,an R.N.,had just arrived at the party in time to put it back together with steri-strips (which I always keep in the medicine cabinet).
All four of our girls are now adults. Life is changing, as always. God is good.
I love the visual of Jesus coming to this home to be with his friends, knowing His time was coming so very soon.
ReplyDeleteThere was Lazarus...eating, laughing, welcoming Jesus into His home. He made room for the Messiah. He knew the Messiah. He believed Jesus was the Messiah. He was living proof of the POWER of God through Jesus. Lazarus loved Him. Lazarus didn't consider the cost of opening his home to Jesus.
Mary and Martha did what I need to do...He was served lovingly and He was worshipped sacrificially. Both as necessary to the Christian walk as can be. Serve Him and worship Him. Eyes only on Him.
Judas was missing the point. He was looking for gain. He loved himself more than he loved Jesus. His desire was a place in the kingdom...a place of honor and prestige. His greedy lips gave away how far his heart was from the truth. He served self.
Jesus knew the heart of each one there. He knows our heart. We are all so needy and He knows our needs. But do we put our needs over Him? Mary didn't. Martha didn't. Lazarus didn't.
I want to love others a little more. I want to give to Him more. I want to open the door of my heart and sup with Him. I want to share Him with my friends. I want others to know that He has raised ME from the dead and my life will never be the same.
He is gain. He is my life. He is my hope. He is the One.
Can I just say? I LOVED both of your comments. But, when do I not love them? It seems like it is written words just for me. Something wonderful just happened to me! Read about it manana.
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