Today’s Reading: John 11:38-44
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out.”
* * * * *
Martha objected when Jesus gave the command to move the large stone in front of the tomb. Lazarus had been dead for four days. She was afraid the foul odor from his decomposed body would be overwhelming. Jesus reminded her that if she simply believed, she would see the glory of God.
Note how the Lord prayed before he raised Lazarus. And let his example aid your prayer life and increase its power.
First, Jesus lifted his eyes to heaven. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to bow your head and close your eyes. But when you lift your eyes to heaven as you pray, you are reminded of the Father sitting on his sovereign throne. He alone has the ability to answer your request.
Second, Jesus thanked the Father. There’s enormous power in thanksgiving. Begin your prayers with thanksgiving. It shows your humility and dependence upon God. You are also reminded of the times God has come through for you in the past.
Third, the Father heard Jesus’ pleas for Lazarus’s resurrection. Believe that the Father hears your prayers too. He hears your pleas as well.
Jesus cried aloud, “Lazarus, come out.” The imagery suggested here is that of a horse snorting and neighing on its hind legs as it approaches battle. Jesus was entering a battle against the powers and forces of darkness as he called for Lazarus to rise.
He didn’t need to speak many words. In ages past, the omnipotent Father spoke, and creation sprang forth from nothing. Here, Jesus spoke three words, and Lazarus’s dead body returned to life.
At the time of your salvation, Jesus did this same miracle for you. He spoke to your dead, lifeless heart and called out your name to give you new life. You were dead in your sins and trespasses, and he made you alive. Originally you were born of the flesh, and now you are born again of the Spirit.
There was no good work you could have performed to receive this new life. Dead hearts can’t do anything to earn God’s grace. It’s a gift to you—received only through faith. That way, you can never boast, and the Father alone receives all the glory.
If Jesus spoke to your dead heart and made it alive, he can meet your needs today. Though your strength may fail, God will sustain you. He is able to give you whatever you may need. He possesses all power. He loves to make all things new.
He loves to create something from nothing.
Just give all your burdens to him. Stand on his promises. Trust his words.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]