John 11:38-57

40 Days of John

Day 20: John 11:38-57

Jesus brings Lazarus back to life in today's reading.  The relationships surrounding this miracle seem to be as awesome as the miracle itself.

Jesus, our Savior, is our friend now and forever.

And then, the other really fascinating thing is the relationship Jesus models for us with God, our Father.

Jesus doesn't do things the way Mary and Martha would expect.  From their perspective, Jesus is late.  Their brother has died from an illness Jesus could have healed.  They don't understand why things have happened the way they have.  

Look at how the miracle unfolds...

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

John 11:40-43

Notice Jesus takes the time to have a conversation with God in the middle of the mess, and the conversation begins with His THANKS.

Jesus takes the time to give thanks to God before the miracle.  That's a reflection of unwavering trust in God.

I think you and I are invited to walk in the same thankfulness with God.  Believing in Jesus means trusting God's goodness and love for us by giving thanks in all that we face, especially when the miracles don't happen as we'd hope or expect.  

Because the truth is, with Jesus in our lives, we can trust that miracles are going to happen, even though we don't always know for sure how and when they will unfold.

What happens when we work to approach all of our conversations (with God and with others) with thankful hearts?  I wonder what miracles we might see?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus and the miracles He works in our lives.  Thank You for hearing me and knowing me even before my thoughts leave my mind.  

Forgive me for letting my own expectations get in the way of my trust in Your will and Your way for my life.  Help me to let go of all that holds me back from the freedom I have in Jesus.

I am especially thankful for the miracles You have worked with __________________________.

I pray for all those who are hoping for a miracle.  Come to them in real ways, Lord, and reveal Your glory.  I pray that they will know You and Your peace and comfort.

I love You, Lord, and I praise You!  You are my Rock and my Redeemer!

It's in the name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.