John 12:9-11 - The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not on account of Jesus only, but so that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus.
Lord thank You for this new day. I am grateful not only for Your love, mercy, and grace, but Your holiness, justice, and sovereignty. Guide my every step in this day. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Christian, did you read the verses above?
I ask because what hit me this morning was just how far this world will go, not just shut the real, genuine, Jesus up, but to twist, slander, cancel, remove, tear down, lock up, or even murder, anything, any miracle, or anyone who carries His Way, Truth, and Life.
We've already seen the highest religious authorities in Jesus' time plotting to murder Him to keep "their place" and "their nation". Now we find because Lazarus was restored from death to life through Jesus, he too had to go. He was now a walking reminder of Jesus and that was not acceptable.
Beloved, if you are His child, then you, like Lazarus, have been brought from death into life. Which means if you are genuinely carrying the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Word, all of that is Jesus, this world will not only try to silence you, but also cancel, slander, twist, remove, tear down, lock up, or as many followers of Jesus around the world have found be tortured and murdered.
No, we don't experience that level of persecution here in America at this time, but things can change in the blink of an eye. We should thank God daily we have not yet had to suffer unto bloodshed like our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Nigeria, India, etc….
As a follower of Jesus Christ, The Way, you carry something this world, and "this world" includes many works based systematic checklist religious who happily use "God" or "Jesus" as justification for just about anything, will not understand you, nor will they accept you. As Jesus said in John 15-18-25
John 15:18-25 - “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have [c]sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But this happened to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without cause.’
I know this is some heavy stuff to think on, but it was important enough for Jesus to speak about and for God to make sure was recorded in His Word forever. So, it's something we shouldn't hide from, nor should we worry about, but instead acknowledge it's real, resolve ourselves in Christ Jesus, and take it to the Lord with thanksgiving and joy, knowing it is He who provides our peace beyond understanding and guards our hearts from the things of this world!
Well, that's where the journey went today. Hope you have a great weekend!
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone. I can say this because I love you, I have prayed over you, and I am here if ever you need someone to listen, talk with, or pray with.
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