Main Point and Overview:
Life is hard. In fact, it can be cruel. People die, and sometimes, they die young leaving a family behind. Car accidents, brain tumors, house fires, debilitating diseases, and more have taken the lives of people in our community. What’s difficult to accept is that often we don’t know the WHY as we are dealing with the WHAT! It’s in these times that we do the natural thing – we question God. Sometimes, we even get mad at God. Please realize that until Jesus Christ returns, we live in a “fallen” world ravaged by the devastating effects of sin. In our story, one of Jesus’ “best friends” was severely sick. In fact, he died. What is curious about the story is that Jesus actually was notified in time to heal him of his disease, but he waited two extra days to go to him. Why? Thankfully in our story, unlike some of life’s pains, we know the answer. Jesus was testing the faith of his followers. When Lazarus died, all hope was lost…for a time. Please understand that no matter what you go through in this life, there is a life to come that is greater than this life. God is good even in our deepest despair! God is faithful even when our “world comes crashing down!” Jesus has made a way for eternal salvation, and that reality is the fuel that drives our purpose. When Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, saw Jesus after Lazarus’ death, all they could say is “why!” Jesus showed them the “why” when he raised Lazarus from the dead, and the Bible says that “many people trusted in Jesus” after seeing the miracle. You and I may not be so blessed to receive such a miracle in this life. One thing we do know, because of Jesus, we have eternal life to look forward to, and that my friends is greater than even perfect health and happiness in this life! Jesus is true life…now and forever!
Life is hard. In fact, it can be cruel. People die, and sometimes, they die young leaving a family behind. Car accidents, brain tumors, house fires, debilitating diseases, and more have taken the lives of people in our community. What’s difficult to accept is that often we don’t know the WHY as we are dealing with the WHAT! It’s in these times that we do the natural thing – we question God. Sometimes, we even get mad at God. Please realize that until Jesus Christ returns, we live in a “fallen” world ravaged by the devastating effects of sin. In our story, one of Jesus’ “best friends” was severely sick. In fact, he died. What is curious about the story is that Jesus actually was notified in time to heal him of his disease, but he waited two extra days to go to him. Why? Thankfully in our story, unlike some of life’s pains, we know the answer. Jesus was testing the faith of his followers. When Lazarus died, all hope was lost…for a time. Please understand that no matter what you go through in this life, there is a life to come that is greater than this life. God is good even in our deepest despair! God is faithful even when our “world comes crashing down!” Jesus has made a way for eternal salvation, and that reality is the fuel that drives our purpose. When Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, saw Jesus after Lazarus’ death, all they could say is “why!” Jesus showed them the “why” when he raised Lazarus from the dead, and the Bible says that “many people trusted in Jesus” after seeing the miracle. You and I may not be so blessed to receive such a miracle in this life. One thing we do know, because of Jesus, we have eternal life to look forward to, and that my friends is greater than even perfect health and happiness in this life! Jesus is true life…now and forever!
Posted in Devotional