John 11:28-44
Be Still: God, open my eyes to your ways and my ears to your voice in your Word today. Lead me into closer encounter with you. Amen
Read: John 11:28-44
Father I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. (vv. 41-42)
Encounter: Here is one of the most dramatic gospel moments in our encounter with Jesus. Standing before a crowd, many of whom are unbelievers, he puts his reputation on the line, and shouts for Lazarus to come out.
Let's look at the preparation Jesus has made before he wields resurrection power over the death of his dear friend.
Jesus has almost certainly spent two days praying. (11:6) Knowing that Lazarus would die before he got there, might Jesus have prayed that his body would be preserved so that when he commanded them to remove the stone, the body would be whole? We don't know what Jesus prayed - but we do know he prays before he acts! Jesus calls for Lazarus to emerge from the tomb. The selected verse above is a little aside: why is Jesus saying this 'for the benefit of the people' there? He says it is so they can have faith that prayer works, faith that he is who he says he is -- the Messiah, the Saviour, God’s Son.This moment in Jesus’ ministry is a sign pointing us forward to his own death and resurrection. It is a sign for the glory to come, and the hope available to us when we, too, are in ‘graveyard’ situations.
Apply: What areas of your life feel like a graveyard? You may feel you are in a hopeless situation -- trapped in a grave of despair or disappointment. The first thing Jesus does, before he commands Lazarus to live is .... pray.
Take a moment to share your ‘graveyard’ situation with God. We may think our situation is too far gone; we have reached the end of the road. But God can do the impossible. He can turn around our situation and bring miraculous change.
Jesus prayed. He knew Lazarus would rise from the dead for he had laid the foundation in prayer. Where in your life can you lay a foundation of prayer?
Devote: Thank you God for your life-creating power. Help me to walk today covered in prayer, with faith that you will establish your good plans and purposes.