The Daily Fountain 3 May 2020 Devotional for Anglican Communion
Topic: Jesus Has Authority Over Life and Death
Scripture: John 11:17-27
Outline: Lazarus, Jesus’ friend (John 11:3), had just died. Jesus had to go to Bethany to restore the life. Martha and Mary knew Jesus, but perhaps only as a great healer from God; one whose prayers God answers (v.22). Martha had faith (vs. 21, 22 & 24) but a ‘shallow one’ (v.39). She believed Lazarus would live again but at the resurrection of the righteous (v.39).
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The two sisters though believers, had imperfect knowledge of Christ’s capabilities (vs. 21 & 32). They did not know that distance was no hindrance to Christ’s ability. Also, apparently they did not understand Christ’s assertion: “I am the resurrection and the life (v.25).
The Daily Fountain 3 May 2020 Devotional
These were vacuums in their Christianity. To what extent do you know Christ? Jesus has authority over life and death, He is God personified (Col. 2:7). As he loved Lazarus, so He loves us. He restores life, not only to Lazarus but to anything dead, including our businesses. To spiritually dead persons, He gives life and the backslidden He restores.
Where there is sorrow,He brings joy. But we must know Him closely. He has power to do all things (Matt. 28:18). Like Paul, let us strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection(Phil. 3:8).
Meditate: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.” (Psalm 125:1)
Prayer
Ask God to give you the grace to know Him beyond the ordinary.