JOHN 11
Read John 11:1-57
Chapter 11 of the Gospel of John brings us to the beginning of Jesus's final week before the Cross. At the centre of these events is man named Lazarus who was sick, then died, and then was brought back to Life by Jesus. This chapter includes one of the memorable and crucial statements Jesus made about himself: "I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe me" (John 11:25-26 NIV). Jesus's Question is one that each one of us must answer.
Illness and Suffering
John 11:5
"Jesus loved Martha and her Sister and Lazarus".
When we suffer or are sick, it does not mean that Jesus doesn't love us. Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, and they loved Jesus with strong friendship, affection and devotion. Nevertheless, they experienced sorrow, sickness and death. Today these troubles can and will happen to God's faithful and chosen believers. Churches will have people like Mary persevering in loving devotion to the LORD, Martha faithful in good deeds, and Lazarus suffering and dieing. Families that experience this may cry out "How long, O LORD? will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1). Jesus says the delay is not due to a lack of love, mercy or compassion, but for the Glory of God (John 11:4) and for his Kingdom and for the ultimate eternal good of the sufferers (John 11:23-26; 40-44). Our confidence must not rest or depend on what God is presently doing but on who He is.
John 11:35
"Jesus wept".
These to words reveal the deep sympathy God feels for the sorrow of His people. The verb "wept" indicates that probably Jesus burst into tears, then wept silently. Let this be a comfort to all who experience sorrow. Christ feels the same sympathy for us that he felt for the relatives of Lazarus. He loves us that much. Note that this verse occurs in the book that stresses his deity more than any other book. This was Jesus--God in the Flesh, deity himself--weeping. God does have a deep, emotional and sympathetic love for us and many others (Luke 19:41).
Bible Verse
"He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”" Luke 22:41-42, NIV
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, we lift our eyes to you. You allow earthly events to follow their own course, and even your own Son had to suffer and die. But your plan is already prepared and you will act in our time according to your will. We pray, “Your will be done, your will!” In the midst of all the suffering let your love be revealed in many places, wherever it is possible for people to understand it. You have always protected us; protect us still. You have done much for us and we want to praise your name. We want to be people who always acknowledge you and praise you, for you will never let any be lost who hope in you. Be with us this always, help us, and send us the strength we need to serve you, also in our everyday life. In Jesus name. Amen.
For Further information please contact
No comments:
Post a Comment