The Glory is for us Also
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 11, 2024 | John 11:38-44
KEY VERSE:
Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you will see the glory of God? John 11:40 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
In John 11:4, Jesus stated that Lazarus’s illness would ultimately glorify God and His Son. The key verse highlights a conversation between Jesus and Martha, emphasizing the importance of faith. In this chapter, we don’t explicitly see when Jesus told Martha the message referenced in the key verse. It might relate to their exchange in verse 25, where Jesus declares Himself the resurrection and the life.
The prerequisite for witnessing God's glory is faith. This faith often requires a practical action, such as removing the stone from Lazarus’s tomb. Throughout the Gospel of John, faith is a precondition for experiencing God's miraculous works. Consider these examples:
At the wedding in Cana, filling jars with water led to the miracle of wine (John 2:1-11).
A royal official believed Jesus and found his sick child healed upon returning home (John 4:46-54).
A man at the healing pool, infirm for decades, was healed by believing and obeying Jesus’ command to pick up his mat (John 5:1-15).
The feeding of the five thousand required people to sit down as directed before being miraculously fed (John 6:1-15).
A man born blind was healed by allowing Jesus to work on him and follow His instructions (John 9:1-7).
In each instance, faith and obedience to Jesus' instructions preceded the miracle.
When Jesus commanded the removal of the stone from Lazarus’s tomb, despite Martha's concern about the odour, He was emphasizing the importance of faith over doubt. Once the stone was removed, Jesus called Lazarus back to life, showcasing God's glory.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God’s purposes may take time to unfold, but they will certainly come to pass. Our Loving God often pays no attention to our needless protests but rather pushes us to step out in faith and trust Him. Miracles can entail human participation, such as the removal of the stone in Lazarus’s resurrection.
PRAYER:
Loving God, keep ignoring our needless protests and fulfil Your purposes in our lives. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GLORY The word Glory is translated in Greek as δόξα (doxa): This word means glory, splendour, or majesty. It often refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and divine attributes.
The term "δόξα" (doxa) in John 11:40 underscores the manifestation of God's power and presence. Jesus assures Martha that her faith will allow her to witness a divine miracle that reveals God's majesty. This event is not just about the miracle of resurrection but about demonstrating God's authority over life and death, thereby glorifying Him.
Reflections:
Consider how your faith can lead to witnessing the glory of God in your own life. How can you stay open to seeing and recognizing God's majesty in everyday miracles and acts of grace?
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