Love-Build- Live
Saturday, May 30, 2020 V.O.D.: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.... neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.—Ephesians 4:29; 5:4 M.O.M.: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 13-14 John 12:1-26
Love-Build-Live
The eleventh chapter of the Gospel of John has the story of Lazarus and how Jesus raised Him from the dead. The account says that Jesus loved Mary and Martha and so He was filled with grief over the death of Lazarus. Jesus even wept. We see in this the human feelings of Christ. Even though He knew Lazarus would live again, He still wept because of His strong feelings for Mary and Martha and Lazarus.
So-Jesus cried, got over with that and brought Lazarus back to life. Why? Did He do it to relieve all the pain? Although relief from the pain was a by-product of the healing, Jesus healed Lazarus for the glory of God-to show the power of God and the power in the kingdom of God. Jesus was about the message of salvation and the spreading of the word of God for the growth of the kingdom. Jesus was building the kingdom in love.
Most of us miss what happens next. Yes we know that the leaders planned to kill Jesus but there is a mention in chapter 12 that the leaders planned to kill Lazarus, also. That is all we ever read about this-just this mention.
The point of all this is to say that our God is about loving, building, and living. All things positive.
The enemy is about hate, destruction and death. All things negative.
When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He said, "Unbind him". Jesus told them to take off the linen wrappings that were used in burial. Jesus said, "Free him up".
The world says, "Tie them down".
Jesus says, "Love them all in spite of who they are, what they look like, or what they have done".
The enemy says, hate destroy, kill.
God says, "Love, Build, Live".
Today, as we go out in the world, we all have choices to make. What will you choose? We cannot serve two masters. It is really no choice.
Love, build, live or hate destroy, kill-really no choice at all-but many will choose the negative in the name of 'progress'.
Choose the positive in the name of Godliness and righteousness-in the name of Christ Jesus.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven, Forgive me for making selfish choices. Make me strong in You and in Your Holy Spirit. Help me stand against the enemy as we work to build your kingdom. Great God of peace and Love! In the name of Jesus, Amen