You are the Proof

Happy Sunday!

"The Devil wants to kill you because you are the Proof!" - Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III

John 12:10-11 says, "But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus."(KJV).  Another translation of these scriptures says, "Word got out among the Jews that he was back in town. The people came to take a look, not only at Jesus but also at Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the high priests plotted to kill Lazarus because so many of the Jews were going over and believing in Jesus on account of him."(vs 9-11, Message).

Many times we remember Bible stories as they were taught to us in Sunday School.  That's all good as long as we don't miss other important points.  Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha were close friends with Jesus.  Lazarus got sick.  They called for Jesus who was in another area.  Jesus didn't come immediately.  When Jesus did arrive Lazarus was dead, and buried.  Both sisters met Jesus at different times when he arrived, BUT both said the same thing.  "Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."(John 11:21, KJV), and "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."(John 11:32, KJV).  Both women were grieving, and searching for answers.  Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson III pointed out that even though their individual spiritual maturity levels were different they both came to the same conclusion.  They blamed Jesus.  Don't try to play innocent.  We all have been there.  We want answers in times of loss, grief, and hardship. When we can't get a conclusive answer as to why it happened we often resort to cliches.  You've heard them before, "God picked a flower for his garden", "All things work together for our good", and "God knows best".  

For starters, God is a creator...he can create flowers, and he is never in need of anything because he owns everything!  All things don't work together of good for everybody!  Right, you heard me!  Read that scripture again, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28, KJV).  Don't miss this!  It says all things are working together for good to those that meet the criteria.  They love God, and are The Called.  The Voice translation says it this way, "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."(Romans 8:28, Voice).

You know the rest of the story.  Jesus went to the tomb, he wept, he prayed, commanded that they roll the stone away, and called Lazarus forth by name.  This was witnessed by many.  Seeing that dead man raised was undeniable proof of the power of God.  After this miracle it got to the point where the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus.  This scenario is still being played out today.  You are proof that God can deliver.  You are proof that God can save.  You are proof that the Promises of God are true!  You have survived every attack waged against you, and you will continue to be an example of the Power of God at work in the earth.  Don't forget what you have already accomplished, overcome, and endured.

Love and prayers, Cynthia