What God's Word says about Friendship

I posted a blog a few weeks ago about friendship and on this past Wednesday I was asked to share with the Tabitha Church [www.tbcokc.net] and my long time friend Pastor J. L. Mitchell [who was celebrating his 20th anniversary}. I was asked to attend a service dedicated to praying for the different areas of the pastor-teacher’s life. I was particularly as to pray from a friend for a friend and the friendship surrounding the man of God. I found it fascinating and even captivating how much the Bible has the say about friendship. So I wanted to share with you a few things that God’s Word says about friendship.

1. What the Bible says about becoming a true friend.
Proverbs 18:24 24 A man of many companions •may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2. What the Bible says about becoming a wise friend.
Proverbs 13:20 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

3. What the Bible says about becoming a friend like Jesus.
John 15:13 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

4. What the Bible says about becoming a strong friend.
Proverbs 27:17 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

5. What the Bible says about becoming a loyal friend.
Proverbs 17:17 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

6. What the Bible says about becoming a friend or choosing a friend.
Proverbs 22:24-25 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

7. What the Bible says about becoming a powerful friend.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than •one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is •alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

8. What the Bible says about becoming a friend of the greatest friend.
James 4:8 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9. What the Bible says about becoming cautious in friendship.
Proverbs 12:26 26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

10. What the Bible says about becoming confidant in friendship.
Proverbs 15:22 22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Here’s my point friends need to be chosen carefully and cautiously. When you find a friend be a very good one.

Day 18 of 21 Days

In our study of John’s gospel we come to John chapter 18 to the story of Jesus’ arrest. Here we see Jesus. We see him fully in control of his destiny. We see him full of majesty and authority even while being arrested as a common criminal. John does not want us to get the wrong idea about Jesus’ arrest. This arrest was like no other arrest you have ever heard about. In this situation the person being arrested is in charge. That’s right Jesus is in FULL CONTROL, even now! The mob that arrests Jesus think they are in charge but John lets us know in no uncertain terms that Jesus as the Lamb of God is voluntarily laying down his life in our behalf. I want you to see the power in this. Jesus isn’t sinking into to the hands of man to be handled any kind of way but Jesus surrendering His life for ours, his life in no way is being taking. Here are five point I want to hand you today and give you an helpful outline of all the thing I would give you if I had the time and space…(Big Smile)

1. We See Jesus’ Control In His Decision to go into Gethsemane (Verse 1-2).

Immediately after his prayer in John 17 Jesus leads his disciples across the Kidron valley into the Garden of Gethsemane. This is particularly significant because this is where Judas would expect to find him. Jesus knows that his hour has come. He is positioning himself to be arrested. John 18:1-2 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples.

2. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demeanor toward the hostile crowd (Verses 3-4).

He is not a nervous, scared criminal who has finally gotten caught. He is not a helpless victim of a lynch mob. He is still the Lord of Glory and King of Kings even in this most humbling of circumstances. John 18:3-4 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, when there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him came forward and said to them, Whom do you seek?

3. We See Jesus’ Control In His Demonstration of Power (Verses 5-6)

Look with me at John 18:5-6 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said to them, I am he. Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. “When Jesus said, ‘I am he,’ they drew back and fell to the ground.” There is no question in my mind as to what happened in that verse. When Jesus spoke the words, “I am he,” the crowd was knocked down by the power of the Spirit. I’m not certain whether the whole crowd went down or if it was just the front people who were speaking to Jesus. But clearly this is a demonstration of Jesus’ control over the situation.

If Jesus had that kind of authority and power—the ability to speak the word and knock them to the ground, he clearly did not have to surrender to them. John tells us about this so that we will know beyond any doubt that Jesus was in control. No man took his life. He willingly laid it down as a sacrifice in your behalf and in my behalf.

4. We See Jesus’ Control In His Desire for the disciples to be release (Verses 7-8).

Look at his focus during this exchange in verses 4 thru 8. Think about all the questions Jesus might have asked. Think about all the arguments he might have brought in his own defense. He does not defend himself. But he does defend his disciples.

What is the design of his question to the mob? “Who do you want?” Isn’t it obvious that they want Jesus? It is. But Jesus is getting at something that is paramount in his mind at the time. He is forcing them to focus on him rather than his disciples. He is leading the conversation to this conclusion in verse 8, Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.”

John adds this comment in verse 9, This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” Usually when we read that kind of terminology we expect to find the quote somewhere in the Old Testament. But that is not the case here. Jesus is referring to Jesus’ words in John 17:12 where Jesus prayed, “None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

5. We See Jesus’ Control In His Dramatic of Healing to Malchus (verses 9-11).

There is Jesus face to face with the mob. Malchus is not just a servant of the high priest but he is “the” servant of the high priest. Behind Judas he is probably leading the crowd. Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Peter slings his blade toward Malchus and misses his head but cuts off his right ear. No one aims at an ear in that kind of situation. You want to make that first blow count. But Peter is no swordsman and does a sloppy job of trying to kill Malchus.

Have you ever tried to help Jesus in the wrong way? Peter is trying to help Jesus. But he is not moving in the spirit but in the flesh. And even though his intentions are right, he is actually doing more harm than good. He is going about a good thing in the wrong way and the result is that some sinner’s ear gets cut off.

Have you ever cut a sinner’s ear off? Have you ever approached him in some way that actually made it harder for him to hear the gospel than before he encountered you? I am embarrassed to say that I may have done that a few times in my ministry. Jesus always has to come behind us correct the mistake.

I could go on but I will at a later time revisit this idea because Malchus’ represents those unsaved people God has put in our lives that need to hear who Jesus is and what He has done for them. But we have to be careful not to be careless like Peter and cut off their ear. We cut of their ear when we suffer from 1. A lack of spiritual preparation. 2. Relying on carnal weapon to win a spiritual battle. 3. Looking at secondary causes rather than seeing the situation as Jesus saw it.

The healing of Malchus’ ear is actually recorded in Luke 22:51 where we are told that Jesus touched his ear and healed him. It’s very interesting to me that this is Jesus’ last miracle before his crucifixion.

Be blessed by the outline and I’ve enjoy sharing the Word with you throughout chapter 18 we’re just a few day about from chapter 21. See you in chapter 19 tomorrow.

• Jesus went forth—devotionally (v.1-3).
• Jesus went forth—willingly—confessing who He was (v.4-6).
• Jesus went forth—vicariously (v.7-9).
• Jesus went forth—to die—to drink the cup (v.10-11).
• Jesus was arrested, taken and bound (v.12-14).
• Peter's unnecessary denial: the denial of association (v.15-18).
• The world's unjust denial of Jesus (v.19-24).
• Peter's cowardly denial: the denial of separation (v.25).
• Peter's shattering denial: the denial of discipleship (v.26).
• Conclusion: Jesus' Word was fulfilled (v.27).
• Jesus led into the judgment hall (v.28-40).

Day 17 of 21 Days

Something truly miraculous is taking place around here…The last few Wednesday and Sunday services were epic. God is getting ready to do something out of this world for this church. I declare it in the powerful name of Jesus. Keep pushing we have 4 days left. Looking forward to seeking you in our midweek experience this evening.

Today, I want to share something that I not sure if I’ve ever shared before. One of the most encouraging experiences as a pastor is to be prayed for by someone else. Each Sunday morning for a number of years a group of faithful committed and capable followers of Jesus Christ arrive 30 or so minutes to pray. The prayers range from welcoming the Holy Spirit in, to singers, musicians, unchurched, unsaved, discouraged & depressed but somewhere in that solemn moments somebody will pray for the pastor. When someone prays for you in your presence, something special happens in your heart; you feel warmed, encouraged, loved and appreciated. There’s a sense of intimacy, when we’re holding hands and God simply slips in and embraces us all. I pray for the people that I’m privileged to pastor everyday. I’ve had the awesome task to pray for them in good time and bad time, times of celebration and sorrow. I stand before them each Sunday praying for them and speaking blessing over their faith, family, finance and future but it’s something special for one God’s sheep to recognize that while my pastor is called to be the Shepherd of this flock he’s still a sheep just like me and if he’ll pray for me I need to pray for him. It is one of the best ways to build relationships between people and pastor. Let me just take a moment to thank that group of saints that stand in the gap for Janice, my family and myself, it makes going the battle each and every Sunday and Wednesday a little easier.

It is one thing for us to pray for and with one another – to bring our brothers and sisters in Christ before the Lord in prayer – but it is quite another to realize that in Jesus we have someone interceding on our behalf. Do you know that Jesus prays for you? Do you know that he goes to the Father on your behalf and on our behalf?

Robert McCheyne once said this: “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.” If you have had the experience of someone praying with you – of having someone right next to you, sitting beside you, bringing your concerns and needs before God, I invite you now to imagine Jesus doing exactly that.

In John Chapter 17 we catch a glimpse of the passion Jesus has for people. In this chapter are Jesus’ final moments with his disciples before being arrested, Jesus prays for his disciples. Knowing that he will be leaving them, praying for them is the best way to prepare them. Jesus prays for three things on our behalf: protection, perfection, and unification.

John 17:1 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said Father…

1. Jesus prays for our protection!

Verse 14-15 “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one…”

2. Jesus prays for our perfection!

Verse 16-19 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; you word is truth. As you sent me into the world, And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also my be sanctified in truth.

3. Jesus prays for our unification!

Verse 20-23 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, In in them and you in me…”

Enjoy today’s reading and I will see you on day 18.

Jesus Prayed for Himself, 17:1-8

Jesus Prayed for His Disciples, 17:9-19

Jesus Prayed for Future Believers, 17:20-26

Day 15 of 21 Days

This is day 15 and it has been an incredible ride. Today as we look in to John chapter 15 Jesus promised to be our everlasting source if we will simply abide in HIM. In Hampton Court near London, there is said to be a grapevine, which is about 1,000 years old. This grapevine has one root, which is at least two feet thick, and some of the branches are 200 feet long. Despite its age the vine produces several tons of grapes each year. Although some of the smaller branches are 200 feet from the main stem, they still bear the sweet and delicious fruit because they are connected to the vine. Life flows from that single root and through out the vine bringing nourishment and strength to each of the branches.

Jesus promises to do the same for us in John chapter 15. He introduces himself as the “true vine” bringing life to each of the branches. The purpose of the vine is to bring nourishment to the branches in order that they might produce fruit. When separated from the vine the branches wither and die. The vitality of our spiritual life is dependent upon our connection to Christ the “true vine.”

Each of us must answer two questions. First, are we connected to the vine, or is the life of Christ flowing within us? Secondly, if we are connected to the vine and we are joined to Christ, then how much fruit are we producing through our lives; is there no fruit, some fruit, or an abundance of fruit?

John 15:1-8 1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the true vine.” Have you ever wondered why Jesus may have said that? I think I may know why. Think with me a moment about what has happened and where Jesus and His disciples most likely are.

It’s the night before the crucifixion of Jesus. He is in the upper room with His apostles. Soon He will be going to Gethsemane. Soon He will be arrested & tried & convicted of crimes He did not commit. Soon they will be laughing at Him. They will put a crown of thorns on His head, & mockingly call Him "the king of the Jews." They’ll slap Him, & spit upon Him, & whip Him with a cat o’ 9 tails. Soon His body will be nailed to a cross, & He will die. And He knows that all of this is going to happen. It’s not a very joyful time, is it?

If you remember this is the night of Jesus’ betrayal, but before that happens Jesus and the disciples have been in the upper room. As they celebrated the Passover in the upper room, Jesus had washed the disciples feet and spoke with them about the events that were to take place. After a great deal of discussion with His disciples Jesus ends chapter 14 saying, “Come now; let us leave.”

Matthew, another one of the disciples says that following the Passover meal Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30). I believe that it is as they are making their way from the upper room to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus continued to instruct this group who had walked with Him for the last three years. Jesus knew that time was running out, but He still had much that He wanted to share with the disciples.

John 15 continues Jesus’ teaching with, “I am the true vine” Jesus was a master teacher.

When we close chapter 14, Jesus begins his journey to the Garden of Gethsemane by telling His disciples that the time is drawing near for Him to leave. John 15 is a discourse of our Lord while walking with His disciples from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane.

In this discussion with His disciples, Jesus reveals His plan for their lives after He has departed and the Holy Spirit has been sent. Primarily, Jesus is giving them instructions on not just how to survive, but to THRIVE in a world that will hate them. He tells them how to enjoy this life until they experience the next life.

John 15: 1, 5: 1 of the 7 "I AM" statements of John's gospel statements reveal the sufficiency of Christ

John 6: 35: I AM the BREAD of LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual APPETITE

John 9: 5: I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD - He's all we need for our Spiritual AWARENESS

John 10: 7, 9: I AM the DOOR - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCESS

John 10: 11, 14: I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD - He's all we need for our Spiritual ACCEPTANCE

John 11: 25: I AM the RESURRECTION and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual AUTHORITY

John 14: 6: I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ASSURANCE

John 15: 1, 5: I AM the VINE - He's all we need for our Spiritual ABUNDANCE

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face death, He will carry me Home!

This is an amazing chapter hope it bless you as it did me.

• The Source of Peace, Joy, Security, 14:27-31
• The Relationship of Jesus to the People of the World, 15:1-8
• The Relationship of Jesus to Believers, 15:9-11
• The Relationship of Believers to Believers, 15:12-17
• The Relationship of Believers to the World, 15:18-27

Day 13 of 21 Days

Welcome to day 13 Family! We’ve one day away for making it to our two-week mark. What a glorious thing. Thank you for joining Janice and I on this journey it mean a lot to both of us and will set the tone for everything you do this year. Let’s jump in to our devotional reading today: The 13th Chapter of the Gospel of John is a pivotal point in the ministry of Jesus. John's Gospel makes it clear that something special is about to happen. I think it’s important today for me to share with you that the Gospel of John is divide into two sections. In the first half (chapters 1-11), he summarizes roughly thirty-three and half years of the Savior's life. The last half is devoted almost totally to the last few days. Everything from chapter twelve on points to the cross and the resurrection.

As we read yesterday chapter twelve sets the stage: Jesus replied, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone servers me he must follow me and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name…And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. John 12:23-28;33 (ESV)

Jesus gathers his disciples in an upper room, probably a large banquet hall above the home of a wealthy Jerusalem family. In all likelihood, the room was built to be rented out and used for such occasions. In this room, Jesus would give his disciples his parting words and some of his most important teachings.

I know that you’ve already picked up on it but I’ll share it anyway Chapter 12 and Chapter 13, deal with the same theme. Both of these chapters revolve around feet. Feet! 21 chapters - the Holy Spirit takes two chapters and deals with feet.

Chapter 12 is Mary washing the feet of Jesus and drying His feet with her hair. Chapter 13, we see Jesus girding Himself with a towel, washing the feet of His apostles and drying their feet with that towel. In both of these chapters, the central element, the theme, the setting revolves around the washing of feet. As we look at yet another posture in the Christian lifestyle, we see this posture demonstrated in the posture of Jesus.

This story is one of the most memorable incidents in Bible. It was the night before Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. It was an intense time in Jesus’ life. His public ministry had ended. Jesus now turns his full attention to his disciples.

I want you to imagine this situation with me for a moment. In that culture the most demeaning task around was to wash the guest’s feet. This was job done by lowest slaves.

It was necessary because people wore sandals did most of their travel by foot. They walked along trails that we not only dusty but also cluttered with camel and donkey dung.

I’m sure that guests arrived with more than dust on their feet. It was a common courtesy for the host to have his slave wash the guest’s feet as they entered the house.

Jesus had sent Peter & John to prepare for their meal together. The food had been cooked. The table had been set. And I’m sure the disciples thought this matter would be taken care of as well. It wasn’t!

As Jesus and the disciples enter the room they see towel & water basin in the corner. They do not see a slave to wash their feet. Perhaps some of them pause as they enter the room, wondering where the servant was—maybe wondering why Peter and John had not taken care of this important detail.

As they recline at the table, each disciple feels a little uncomfortable. “Somebody ought to at least wash Jesus’ feet” Each one may have begun to JUSTIFY in own mind why it was not his job to do it.

“I did it last time—its Matthew’s turn—he hasn’t done it in long time.”

“Peter and John were supposed to take care of all this-Jesus told them to. One of those guys ought to take care of it.” “I came to enjoy a time with the Lord—and now we’ve got this problem”

John is thinking—“Look I’m over here leaning next to Jesus, I’m in spiritual intimacy. Jesus doesn’t want me to leave and help you.”

Peter is thinking—“Don’t these turkeys know the call of God on my life? If they had, they would be over here right now washing mine and Jesus’ feet.”

We don’t know all the specifics, I’m taking some liberties--but we do know that nobody rose to the occasion.

1. What Jesus Did!

John 13: 3-5 ESV Jesus KNOWING THAT THE FATHER HAD GIVEN ALL THINGS INTO TO HIS HANDS, and that he has come from God and was going back to God, ROSE from the supper. He LAID ASIDE his outer garments and TAKING A TOWEL, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to WASH THE DISCIPLES’ FEET and wipe them with that towel that was wrapped around him.

2. What Jesus Knew!

Verse 1 says When Jesus knew that his hour has dome to depart out of this world to the Father

Verse 3 says Jesus, knowing that the Father has given all things into his hands

Verse 11 says For he knew who was to betray him

He knew he was rapidly approaching the most important moments of life. He knew that the pain and agony of the cross was imminent!

John is wanting us to see something about Jesus. Fully God and fully man, here is Jesus facing something we cannot even imagine. He is not saying to the disciples, “Don’t you care about what I’m facing?” He is not focused on himself. He is concerned that they be prepared for what’s about to happen. Jesus is focused on others!

He knew Who he was. With all that in mind he bowed before these disciples and washed their feet. He was not ignorant of the glory and authority that the Father had given him.

3. What Jesus Taught!

Verses 12-17 When he has washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” Has the significance of all this soaked? It goes way beyond just getting your feet washed. It goes way beyond just getting your need met.

Jesus comes into our lives. He loves us. He receives us. He meets our needs.

And sometimes people think that’s all this is about—getting my need met, getting my feet washed.

No, it’s about a personal transformation of character and thinking. It’s about becoming something. It’s about becoming a servant like Jesus. verse 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Freely you have received, freely give.

If my experience in God is only about me, only about me getting my needs met, I’ve missed something along the way. If church is just about me getting what I want, I’ve missed something. The greatest human tragedy is for a person to never receive Christ and his mercy.

The second greatest tragedy is that a person would experience Christ, experience his love, experience his grace—but never translate that into service toward others.

I know you’ve been waiting on my story so here it is… A wealthy American traveler tells the story of how he was a visiting a hospital in South Africa. He entered just as a young missionary nurse was cleaning the sores of a sick, dirty, young woman who was dying of HIV/AIDS, which had been lying in a gutter for days. The wealthy man said to the nurse, “I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” She answered quietly and firmly, “Neither would I.”

It’s a whole lot easier to talk about service, think about service, fanaticize about great service, and hear sermons about service—than to actually do service for others. But the blessing, the joy, the happiness, is not found in talking about it or hearing about it. It is found in actually doing it.

Is there a need you can meet? Is there someone near you who needs his or her feet washed—some practical service that could make that person’s burden lighter?

It is my prayer as we spend the remaining days of this corporate time of fasting and praying that the Lord opens our eyes to dirty feet and give us a heart to wash them. That’s the church I want to pastor…A church where every member is a minister and every seat is filled with a serving servant.

• In the Upper Room right before the Passover (v.1a)
• The awareness of His enemies (v.2)
• The extreme demonstration of royal service (v.3-5)
• The prerequisite for royal service: Washing and cleansing (v.6-11)
• The meaning of royal service (v.12-14)
• The reasons for royal service (v.15-17)
• The Prediction of the Betrayer (v.18-30)
• The Departure of Jesus From This World (v.31-38)

I literally had to quit today. This chapter is simple jammed packed with so much teaching. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoy writing this. See you tomorrow for day 14!

Day 11 of 21 Days

We are halfway there Fasting Family so let's take a look on Day 11 at John chapter 11. Let me set the stage with a story. There’s a story about the only survivor of a shipwreck. He washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed to be coming. He eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after searching for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst has happened: everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger: “God!!! How could you do this to me!” Early the next say he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. “How did you know I was here?” the weary man asked his rescuers. They replied, “We saw your smoke signal.”

God may sometimes work in ways don’t understand-- but he still works.

When it comes to God’s answering our prayers, it often seems that if we do not hear the answer we want to hear, we conclude that it was no answer at all. I believe there are times that we tend to think that God is the One with the hearing problem, when it turns out to be that we are the ones with the hearing problem.

Why does God allow us to experience delays in answers to our prayers?

Do we not understand there are some divine reasons why our prayers are delayed? God is often doing something to build our lives and to bring about a blessing to us and others in the delay. Through delayed answers or even unanswered prayer God often grows us!

In John 11:1-3 we see: Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and his sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, who brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him [Jesus] saying, Lord, he who you love is ill.”

1. There was no problem with their devotion. (11:1-3)

2. There was no problem with their desire. (11:3)

3. There was no problem with their dependence (11:3)

But here’s where the story gets challenging for many readers. Verses 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and his sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, HE STAYED TWO DAYS LONGER in the place where he was.

Have your ever wondered why Jesus didn’t jump up to make his way back to Bethany. As I shared earlier there was nothing wrong with their devotion, desire or dependence, so why does Jesus delay His answer to the prayer of Mary and Martha?

1. Jesus delays His answer to prayer for Lazarus to EDUCATION (11:15)

2. Jesus delays His answer to prayer for Lazarus to ESTABLISH Doctrine (11:22-27)

3. Jesus delays His answer to prayer for Lazarus to Expand Witness (11:45;12:2-3; 9,11)

4. Jesus delays His answer to prayer for Lazarus to EXHIBIT His Glory (11:4)

Here’s my closing thought: Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents’ house. At bedtime, the two boys knelt beside their beds to say their prayers. The youngest one began praying at the top of his lungs, "I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE. I PRAY FOR A NEW NINTENDO. I PRAY FOR A NEW VCR..."His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, "Why are you shouting your prayers? God isn’t deaf." To which the little brother replied, "No, but Grandma is!"

Often times, when we pray, we may wonder if God is deaf because we do not receive and or the answer we desired. However, God is not deaf! How perfect are the ways of God! If Martha and Mary would have had their prayer granted, not only would they (and Lazarus too) have been denied a far greater blessing, but the disciples would have missed that which must have strengthened their faith.

Christ would have been deprived of this opportunity, which allowed Him to give the mightiest display of His omnipotent power that He ever made prior to His own death; and the whole Church as well would have been the loser!

11:4 This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.

God knows what He is doing; let us learn to trust Him. See you on Day 12!