Today’s Reading: John 12:9-11
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away believing in Jesus.”
* * * * *
Jesus returned to Bethany to visit with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. A large crowd assembled at their house. They wanted a glimpse of both Lazarus and Jesus. Lazarus had become a local celebrity, the person whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
People love to worship human celebrities. They are prone to exalt creatures over the Creator.
Contrarily, the religious leaders were repulsed by Lazarus’s resurrection. Their power base was being threatened because the masses were choosing to follow Jesus. Therefore, they decided to get rid of the evidence of the miracle and made plans to kill Lazarus.
Some people will do whatever is necessary to deny obvious truth. Even though a living, breathing Lazarus was before them, offering undeniable proof of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, they refused to believe in him. They would rather destroy Lazarus’s life than change their lives and follow Jesus.
Sin is never rational. Though creation cries out that the Father exists, people still refuse to believe. Though Jesus’ abundant miracles pointed clearly to his identity as the Son of God, people refused to believe.
Never underestimate the power of sin to delude your ability to think correctly. You can convince yourself of anything if you want something badly enough. Be very careful. This is a dangerous state in which to be.
The power of sin yearns for control and self-aggrandizement. It always desires to worship the creature rather than the Creator. This leads to irrational thinking that motivates godless behavior.
When Jesus changes a life, the first thing he changes is the mind. That’s what he did with you. He altered the way you think. You have been transformed by the renewal of your mind. As you think in your heart, so you are. Your behavior, feelings, and actions follow your thought life. Belief influences behavior.
When you learn to think as he thinks, you will live as he lived.
Whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise—think on these things. Flood your mind with positive, grace-filled thoughts. Set it on things that are above in heaven.
When you do, you’ll find your behavior will change.
That’s because you are what you think.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]