Saturday, February 10, 2024

Mornings with Purpose: Daily Devotions Delight

Ibrahim Habila February 10, 2024 Daily Devotion , 0 Comments

SUNDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2024

TEXT: John 11:39-45

39. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”

40. Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”

41. So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me.

42. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.”

43. Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”

44. And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

45. Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.

(New Living Translation Holy Bible)

TOPIC: DIVINE DELAY AND GOD’S PURPOSE

Jesus has been informed about the sickness of his friend, Lazarus. He delays going until Lazarus dies and has been buried for our days.

It does not make human sense that Jesus would act this way. This is noticed in the comments of Martha and Mary, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

But this delay is divine and is meant to serve God’s purpose. This stated purpose is realized in the raising of Lazarus, which results in many Jews putting their faith in Christ (v. 45).

We often fight divine delays like Martha and Mary did. Let us understand that when He does not do as we desire, it is for the overall glory of God and our personal good.

God always takes His glory, even if it leads to the loss of a life, like it happened with Lazarus! When that happens, however, what is seemingly a loss ends up being a huge gain.

Lazarus gains his physical life back and many Jews gain their lives spiritually!

QUESTION: Have you seen God’s purpose in what you have lost for the

sake of Christ?

PRAYER: I exist for Your glory and purpose only, dear Lord. Help me to see this clearer, in Jesus name. Amen.