March 26th, 2023

3-26-23

Today’s devotion is based on John 11:1-4, “Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “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.”

I believe that is a good lesson for us today, whatever we might be going through. Circumstances in the world and personally can lead us to question the words of Jesus. If so, remember what Jesus said, as it is recorded for us in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That is God’s promise, a promise that cannot be broken.

Terrible illness, loss of wealth, job insecurity, fear for the family, and even death will not negate those words and lead to destruction. Jesus’ words are trustworthy and will remain valid. His death and resurrection conquered sin and eternal death and ushered in for his people an age of life; true life, abundant life, life in relationship with him—and all that brings! After all, Jesus is alive!
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Please pray with me the prayer for today: My blessed Jesus, You came that I might have life and have it abundantly. Send your Spirit to help me look beyond my circumstances of today so that I can fully experience the life you have earned for me. Then help me to care for my neighbors by pointing them to you in all your glory. In your name, I pray. Amen.