Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 22, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11).

For most of Jesus’ three and one half years ministry, He opened to His disciple’s minds truths that they had not understood up until that time. Even as He opened their minds, their humanness often got in the way of full understanding. He taught them the strength of humility. He taught them the power of fasting and prayer. Most of all, He taught them the necessity of being led by the Holy Ghost. These truths were from God. They were outside of the natural prevue of human kind.
One of the most difficult truths Jesus taught them was the fact that a necessary step that must be taken on the road to their salvation was His own sacrifice. This was particularly troubling because it was against pride. It was against all that they had in their minds about how Messiah would come and destroy the yoke of Roman rule, and restore Israel to her former glory. They aspired to worldly greatness and the death of Christ did not fit into their plan for such greatness. He taught them that it was not about their view of greatness. All that was necessary to bring about salvation must come through the humility and sacrifice of Jesus.
The time had come. All that He prophesied concerning His betrayal and death was about to occur in quick succession. “Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.” (Matthew 26:45-47). As the mob approached Jesus to lay hands on Him, Peter drew his sword and cut off one of the men’s ears. “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11).
In this single, quick event, we learn a valuable lesson from Christ. There are instances when God is allowing adversity to come into our lives, and many of us fight against it. When the trials are for the greater good of ourselves as well as others, we often resist as did Peter. If Peter had been in tune with the voice of God, He would never have attempted to save Jesus from betrayal. He would never have drawn his weapon.
When trials come our way, instead of fighting against them, we should have the attitude of Christ. We should accept the trials as having been tempered by God, and trust that He has them all under control. He always has our best interest at heart. May the Lord help us to be more like Jesus in every way.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.” (John 18:8-9).

With the determination of a loving father, Jesus faced the end of His life. He set His face as flint in the direction of Calvary. Nothing and no one could divert His path. He received the final unction that He needed to go through with the plan to become our substitute on the cross, paying the ultimate price for sin. As His accusers and His disciples approached Him, He was fully aware of the consequences of His holy life. The contradiction was apparent. He knew that His holiness stood in such contrast to the evil that surrounded Him, that the enemies of God were almost compelled to lash out. Instead of embracing the Saviour with arms of acceptance and gratitude, they would finally choose to reach forth their hands to forcefully cart Him from place to place, and falsely accuse Him to the point that He would be unjustly murdered. Although His accusers acted contrary to conscience and justice, the eternal plan of salvation included their vicious acts in the overall purpose of humankind. Jesus was to be lead as a sheep to the slaughter. He was to stand before wicked men as a sheep before its shearers and open not His mouth (Isaiah 53).
As the mob approached Jesus in this providential confrontation, He asked a question that would be recorded in the annals of history and overlooked by many. “Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.” (John 18:7). There is a glorious truth wrapped up in this simple question. He continued once the murderous throng responded by saying, if they sought Him, then they should allow His disciples to go their way. The plan of salvation became crystal clear in my mind as I contemplated these words. The Lord stood in the gap between heaven and hell for us. The justice of the broken law of God was unsheathed as a sharp sword, and aimed at the lives of those who offended it. As the perfect substitute and the only One who could buy our pardon, Jesus absorbed the blow that required His life in our stead. He said to the offended law of God, “If you are looking for someone to punish, please destroy me, and let these, my people, go their way.”
Jesus demonstrated the kind of love of which this world is unacquainted. He proved that heaven would stop at nothing to save as many as are willing to respond to His grace. At Calvary, He suffered the eternal death that all who would be destroyed at the end of all things will suffer if they reject the gift. He made a clear path through the Red Sea of separation between a holy God and sinful humankind. Once He accomplished His mission on the cross, the waters, so-to-speak, rushed in and drowned the devil and His angels. Their hold on humanity was broken. They were reserved in the chains of the consequences of their rebellion until the end of time, and the Lord demonstrated His victory early one Sunday morning. Jesus came forth from the tomb conquering and to conquer. Through this victory He asked the question in resounding tones, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Since the Lord has given us the opportunity to live eternally and be free from sin, what will you do? Will you take the liberty of the salvific gift and lead others to Christ, or treat the Lord spitefully and lose out eternally? We all have a choice. Today, I choose to follow Jesus by His grace.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, September 20, 2016


We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.” (John 18:2).

The story of Jesus’ betrayal evokes many emotions in those who love Him. Sometimes people are overcome by sadness, discouragement, and rage when they think of how Judas sold Jesus out. In some ways, these emotions are well founded. Is it enough to merely know the story of the suffering of Christ as a means to genuine relationship with Him?
Perhaps the most talented disciple of Jesus, more than the others, Judas had a greater grasp of the truths that He taught. He, like the others, healed, cast out devils, and taught others about God’s love for humankind. Judas ate with Jesus, touched Him with his own hands, hugged Him, and even shared sleeping quarters with Him. Someone so close to the Master most certainly knew His habits and daily routines. Judas knew that often Jesus and the disciples retired from labor to the area of the Garden of Gethsemane. Was it enough to merely know where Jesus retired for recreation?
A valuable lesson that must be learned from these examples is that while Judas and others knew the habits and mission of Christ, they failed to know Christ, the man, through intimate and saving relationship. Many of us can recite, in detail, the story of Jesus. Some have poured over many volumes of extra biblical history from Jewish historians, and have diligently traced the details of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Is it enough to know the details about the Messiah or should there be more?
Pray that the Lord will strengthen our resolve to invest time studying His word, praying, sharing the gospel through self-less Christian service, and quiet time with God. It is in these things, with the active ministry of the Holy Ghost in our daily experience, that we are transported from a simple knowledge about God, into a saving relationship with Him. Praise the Lord for the opportunity to experience more than mere knowledge about God. He has done all to draw us so close to Him, that we can become like Him and dwell in His presence forever.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, September 19, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” (1 John 4:9).

I can remember the day I found out I was going to father a boy child. While most men would have celebrated the fact, I was stunned. It was not that his conception was unwanted. My wife and I waited ten years into our marriage and finally planned our family. Our little guy was not unexpected. What I did not expect was the extreme emotional response to the news of his sex. For years I dreamed of having a girl. I envisioned a tiny little version of her mommy whom I would shower with love and affection. I wanted to look into her pretty little eyes and tell her how beautiful she is. I wanted to tell her that she reminds me so much of her mommy and that she should watch her every move, so she could learn how a little lady should be. But, when I learned I would have a mini-me, the pressure was overwhelming. In that moment, every bad habit, toxic thought, and past sin, seemed to stare me in the face. It is not that I would not love our boy. I realize that my view of my father must have been off. Somehow, although I am a Bible teacher, preacher, author, and blah, blah, blah, I had allowed my human concept of fatherhood to overbear God’s ideal for me.

So many men, like me, have suffered beneath the burden of horrible father-son relationships. And the outcomes are manifested in so many undesirable ways. Mistreatment of women, promiscuity, substance abuse, poor self-worth, violence, and many other maladaptive behaviors threaten the survival of our children. These manifestations skew our concept of a loving heavenly Father. Conversely, if we participate in the healing God intends for us, we can begin to love like our Father does.

The Bible says that, “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him” (1 John 4:9, NLT). Our heavenly Father did not sit up in heaven and watch us wallow in sin without hope, like so many deadbeat dads have. Our heavenly Father does not close His ears to our cries, like so many dads who seldom listen to their children. Our heavenly Father did not search for some secret back door to escape responsibility for us. No! Our Father saw our hopeless condition and gave His very best Gift, in order to provide a way to live with Him forever.

After I got over my initial emotional response to the news about our son, I recommitted myself to breaking the cycle of poor fathering. I committed myself to shattering the misconception of God, poor fathering engenders. The Lord has helped me embrace our little guy with the love He has shown me. I love to hear him call my name. I love to see the excitement in his face when I buy him a chintzy little toy from the pharmacy that he will single-handedly destroy in a few days. I love when he enjoys eating the same foods I love to eat. I love how he wants to jump me, climb, and snuggle. He freely gives love to his father. Now, his father knows better how to love. Our God has mysterious ways of giving us His best. Through love, He gave the world His Son. Through love, he gave our family a son. I cannot say I understand this blessing of love our Father gives, but I sure am happy He does. Ask the Lord to reveal a lesson of His love to you today. I’m enjoying mine.

For further study, consider: (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.) —L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, September 18, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:1–3).

There were a group of believers in the mountains of WV with whom I used to worship once per month. They once told me that another small group with whom they periodically interacted attempted to convince them of a strange belief that we would not actually see God, even in heaven. I thought it was the strangest controversy considering the fact that the only reason we are now separated from our God is sin. Also, the reason He gave us His only begotten Son was to restore this privilege of being together again.

John, the one for whom Jesus had a special love, has so much to say about the love of God. John welcomes us to take a deep, meditative look into the special love the Father has toward us. Taking into account the fact that we all were born in sin and shaped in iniquity, it is of particular interest to me that God would love me so much. Paul said that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. In spite of our severe sin impediment, our Father loves us. In spite of the fact that we human beings, even many who profess to love Him, actually show disdain for His love efforts, and live contrary to its' compelling power, God loves us. Many of us do not have a sense of belonging. Many have not experienced the blessing of a father's unconditional love. So, for God to love us in the way John described and to actually enfold us into His family to call us His children; this is unbelievable. Earthly parents often are ashamed to claim or embrace wayward children. But our heavenly Father is not. And, of Jesus the Bible says, “For indeed he who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11, NET).

Thus it is that our Father loves us. Thus it is that Jesus, the Son, loves us. If God is not ashamed to adopt us into His family, and Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters, it stands to reason that when Jesus returns, we will enjoy full fellowship with our Father and Jesus. The Bible says,
“For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]” (1 Corinthians 13:12, AMP). Our Father's name will be written, as it were, on our foreheads. “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads” (Revelation 14:1). We will actually see the face of the One whose name is written on our foreheads. “And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads” (Revelation 22:4).

I look forward to the day when I can see my Father who loves me and my Savior who surrendered His life, all for you and for me. Soon, and very soon, we will be fully united with God and be able to look into His tender gaze, nevermore to be apart. Amen.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, September 17, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” (John 19:30).

As we peer into Jesus’ agony of being separated from His Father and feeling forsaken, it occurs to me that we will never understand the depths of love the Father and Son have for us. He who was one with Jehovah from eternity past, could not through the gloom of the sun’s refusal to shine on the shameful agony of Christ, see the approbation and love of His Father. But, as the life of His adopted human form ebbed away, and He prepared to surrender His final breaths to God for safe keeping, He cried with a loud voice, “It is finished” (John 19:30)! Here are some of the most critical things that were finished that fateful day:

1.) Jesus would never again suffer on the cross for our sins; He died once for us (Romans 6:9,10)
2.) The need for human priests ended (Hebrews 7:18-28)
3.) Animal sacrifices were no longer valid or necessary; the ceremonial laws were nailed to the cross (Matthew 27:51; Daniel 9:27; Colossians 2:14)
4.) The “antidote” for sin was fully mixed and ready to be administered to any and all who would receive it by faith.

Now, let’s briefly unpack the “rest” of, or better said, the rest in the story. Jesus had accomplished His work on the cross, having made provision for all sinners to be saved as illustrated in the experience of the dying thief who finally saw the power of God in the meek and lowly face of his Savior (Luke 23:43). “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand” (John 19:38–42). According to the [fourth] commandment, King Jesus was at rest that next Sabbath day (Luke 23:56). This fact, the fact that our Savior rested on the Sabbath day, having completed His work on the sixth day must not be lost on us. No detail given in Scripture was recorded sloppily. There is divine purpose in every thought.

It is interesting that Jesus rested following the sixth day just like He rested after six days of labor in His creation of earth. Scripture says, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Genesis 1:31–2:3). Fasten your seat belts, friends! Notice that Scripture says that God saw that all He had done in the creation and all of the provisions of earth, was very good and then He rested. Christ supplied everything that was necessary for humankind’s peace and comfort. All of nature was in harmony, the crystal rivers flowed gently through the Garden, and all creatures lived to praise their heavenly Benefactor. Humanity stood in his innocence before his God. The icing of this creative cake was spread over all through...

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, September 16, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

There is no doubt you have heard the old adage, “Confession is good for the soul.” We often quote old sayings, assigning some great spiritual implication to them, when nothing could be further from the truth. However, in this case, no truer words can be spoken.

Many times over the years, we have seen politicians and religious leaders in the news who have been flushed out of hiding due to some scandal in judgment. Questionable photos have been tweeted, inappropriate relationships with interns have been experienced, power has been abused, and large-scale financial frauds have been exposed. And, in an almost scripted manner, news conferences interrupt our regularly scheduled programs with all of the lights, cameras, and action in play. The circus acts of forced confessions are broadcast for all to witness. Then publicists, lawyers, and fixers begin their campaigns to bring their clients back into the good graces of their constituencies. Let’s not forget about the book and movie deals that come next, no doubt to defray the costs of hiring publicists, lawyers, and fixers. This exhausting cycle of coverage, busting yet another mover and shaker, engenders skepticism for a principle that can have such a great impact for eternity.

Scripted, public confessions aside, many families, friendships, and work relationships have been mended through genuine confession. More than this, many relationships with God have been revived through it. King David’s shameful experience related to adultery, betrayal, and murder encapsulates this principle. He said, “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:3–5, NLT). When there is a breach in relationship between us and God or fellow human being, and we hide it, that fact gnaws away at us. Guilty feelings cause distress and restlessness. In this, it is indeed true that confession is good for the soul. If with the help of God, we become honest with ourselves and others regarding our sins against them, a powerful thing happens: He gives us the strength to see the sin as it really is, turn away from it, and receive inner-peace. He has forgiven us! When we continue in a lifestyle of confession and repentance, the Most High is faithful and just to remove the burden of our confessed sin from us, and expunge our record.

Confession is indeed good for the soul – and our relationships too. —L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Thursday, September 15, 2016

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We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” (John 19:26–27).

Today’s focus text provides a practical lesson in love. Oftentimes we leave a mess of unfinished business behind upon our demise. While we should not be obsessed by the probability of our own death, we should respect the reality of our life’s brevity and make certain basic preparations for the loved ones who are dependent upon us. If there are bills, in as much as it is possible, we should make certain they are handled. If there are small or large trust funds for our children’s future education, we must make certain they are not tampered with. If we have small or large sums of money in assets, savings, or investments, we must make certain that the gospel work benefits, following basic provision of our families. This is a both practical and spiritual responsibility.

Jesus left the greatest example of all I described and more. The woman that was most important to Him was left in the disciple’s care whom Jesus enjoyed the most. Only the very best of friends was worthy of caring for the earthly mother of Christ. John understood the love of Jesus better than perhaps any of the others. Thus it was a blessing to both Mary and John for this provision to be made for her. Now, Mary would not need to be alone. And, John could still have a tangible part of His dear friend, Jesus. Even as He faced certain death, Jesus was making provisions for Mary’s comfort. There must be a lesson in this for us somewhere.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Wednesday, September 14, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:16–17).

Have you ever encountered the following verse and wondered what it meant: “For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NET). How could it be said that Jesus was tempted in every way, just like us? The answer to this mystery is also given in Scripture. The Bible says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:16–17). Let’s consider the wilderness temptations as a microcosm of all categories of temptation and not every individual temptation Jesus faced for over 33 years. The lust of the flesh corresponds with the temptation to turn stones into bread to satisfy our physical longings in an ungodly way. The lust of the eyes corresponds to the temptation to have all of the world’s possessions without regard for God’s will. The pride of life corresponds with the temptation to presume upon God’s goodness and throw ourselves into danger, needlessly. If we examine all of the temptations we face, they all fit squarely into one of these three categories. The focus of Scripture is not simply that Jesus was tempted. The focal point is how Jesus overcame. And as a bonus, we get to see the reason for His victory.

Since we were in a nearly hopeless state through sin, with the only possible outcome being eternal death, Jesus stepped in at the hottest part of the battle. Our minds are a constant battlefield between God and the devil. And whoever we submit our wills to in this battle is the one we worship. We can either worship God who loves us and live eternally, or worship the enemy of our souls and suffer eternal death. Every single moment of every day provides opportunities to make these kinds of decisions. Since Jesus was victorious, while living in human form, He gifted us the power to be victorious too. As long as we accept the gift of His victory, and submit to the will of God, no matter what, we are safe.

Considering all that we have said, I now hopeful. I am encouraged that God loves me so much that He gave His best in order to save me. I am encouraged that Jesus was tempted just like me, so He understands my difficulties and can be merciful. I am encouraged that He was victorious so can I resist the devil’s overtures. I am encouraged that as long as I remain in a faith relationship with Him, I can look forward to the eradication of death, sin, and suffering. One day, this crazy trial will be over and if we are faithful, we will finally live in the presence of the One who loves us.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 24–25).—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)

Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, September 13, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25).

It is no exaggeration to say that death is the worst of all enemies! It breaks up families at higher rates than divorce. When it comes through war, it devastates economies. It is the most elusive terrorist against which nobody can defend. There is no person anywhere in the world that can hide from it as it stalks our every footstep. All are equal in the sight of death. Billionaires and absolutely impoverished people, both succumb when death comes knocking at the door.

At a time of greatest difficulty in the lives of a few friends, Jesus demonstrated His authority over death. Although, He did not move in the way they expected, He awed them in the end. His friend Lazarus was sick and dying. Lazarus’s sisters sent word to Jesus to alert Him to the fact, so He could hurry to his bedside. Instead of rushing, Jesus waited until he was dead four days to show up. God’s ways are not our ways! Lazarus’s sister immediately met him as He entered the town. She said if Jesus had gotten there days before, her brother would not have died. What a true statement that was. God’s ways are not our ways! Jesus waited until Lazarus was dead four days and decomposition was setting in before He approached the situation. He asked Lazarus’ sister whether she believed that He could raise her dear brother. And in what she thought was great faith, she said of course He could do it on resurrection day, thousands of years in the future. This is where Jesus announces the limitlessness of His power. “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” (John 11:25). You see, while the family believed that Jesus could have prevented their beloved’s death, and even believed that Jesus could raise Him from the dead, they had a prescription in mind of how His power worked. They basically believed that if Jesus allowed him to die, he was doomed to stay dead until the resurrection of all faithful people. Jesus’ statement that He is Life itself changed the focus altogether. Since Jesus is Life, there is no limit of time or space on His ability to give life to whomever He wills. God’s ways are not our ways!

In a most astounding moment, Jesus commanded that those standing by approach Lazarus’s tomb, and roll away the stone covering its’ mouth. The stench from his rotting corpse must have been nauseating. Jesus lifted up His voice and called Lazarus from his rotting, lifeless state into the vigor of youth. Are you paying attention? He then commanded that they loose him from his burial wraps and let him free.

There are times in our lives that we face completely impossible circumstances. Our impossible extremes are just the beginning of God’s demonstration of power. Neither death nor our worst life trials have any real power in our lives when we are submitted to God like Lazarus was. It is true that God will allow things to buffet us for a season, but one day, if we remain faithful, He will command that all be loosed from us as we emerge in the vigor of youth.

Don’t write a prescription for God as you seek His power in your life. Trust me, He knows exactly what He is doing. When Jesus returns, ask Lazarus and his sisters. They know.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)