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Lessons from Lazarus (2) - the bigger picture
'that the Son of God may be glorified through it' JOHN 11:4
The next three lessons today: Lesson four:
God has a bigger and better plan in mind. You may wonder why Jesus waited four days before sorting Laz out. Here are two reasons:
a) so there would be no doubt about the miracle. In those days lots of Jews believed the spirit only left the dead body when 4 days had past. So if Jesus had stepped in earlier, they'd have claimed that Laz wasn't really dead
b) that our faith may be strengthened. Jesus said '"I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe..."' (John 11:15 NKJV). In life, crises will come and go, and be different each time; but what must always stay strong is your faith.
Lesson five: God will ask you to face the facts and deal with the stench. Martha wanted Laz to be alive, but didn't want the stink of death when the stone moved. When you're praying and God tells you to do something, it's for a reason; until you do it, you can't win! So move your stone and face that stink!
Lesson six God wants to make you a living testimony. Everywhere Laz went after, he didn't even have to open his mouth to proclaim that JC was his Lord; his life spoke loud and clear. God's saved you and raised you up to do the same. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk too. Is your life a living testimony today?
written by Bob Gass
'that the Son of God may be glorified through it' JOHN 11:4
The next three lessons today: Lesson four:
God has a bigger and better plan in mind. You may wonder why Jesus waited four days before sorting Laz out. Here are two reasons:
a) so there would be no doubt about the miracle. In those days lots of Jews believed the spirit only left the dead body when 4 days had past. So if Jesus had stepped in earlier, they'd have claimed that Laz wasn't really dead
b) that our faith may be strengthened. Jesus said '"I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe..."' (John 11:15 NKJV). In life, crises will come and go, and be different each time; but what must always stay strong is your faith.
Lesson five: God will ask you to face the facts and deal with the stench. Martha wanted Laz to be alive, but didn't want the stink of death when the stone moved. When you're praying and God tells you to do something, it's for a reason; until you do it, you can't win! So move your stone and face that stink!
Lesson six God wants to make you a living testimony. Everywhere Laz went after, he didn't even have to open his mouth to proclaim that JC was his Lord; his life spoke loud and clear. God's saved you and raised you up to do the same. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk too. Is your life a living testimony today?
written by Bob Gass
