Wednesday, 19th July, 2023
Bible Reading: John 11: 1-45
Memory Verse: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 (KJV)
The love Jesus had for Lazarus could be seen by all. John 11:3 (NKJV) says, “Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” vs 4 (KJV), “When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” Mind you, Jesus love for Lazarus did not stop the challenges of life from confronting him, this time, even unto death. Now you begin to wonder what manner of love of this? A big test usually precedes a big testimony.
Look at John 11:6 (NIV), “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” I thought Jesus’ great love for Lazarus would have made Him to cancel all hitherto booked appointment and ministerial schedules to go heal His friend immediately. Rather, He stayed two more days. Sincerely, God’s ways are mysterious. God’s delays are not God’s denials. If it seems God is late, know for sure there is a set up for a greater testimony around the corner (Habakkuk 2:3). And didn’t Lazarus wake up again?
Dearly beloved, probably you have been doing all you can in the service of the Lord but there hasn’t been any commiserate benefit. Please hold on. Your jumbo packaged blessings is on the way. There are testimonies and there are testimonies. In the school of testimony, men are separated into cadres. Patiently endure the test of patience.
Reflections:
1. While you want God to love you so dearly, what are you doing to attract such love?
2. Do you think God’s search light of love over a person will attract special training and processes? Can you justify your answer with a Biblical case study?
3. God’s love for His beloved Son Jesus did not stop Jesus from going to the Cross of Calvary. Remember the Cross is a symbol of shame and ridicule. No wonder Jesus has been given the Most powerful name in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2: 5-11).
Quote: Should God decide to shower His love over you, many times it is an invitation unto ‘serious problems’. Mind you, only ‘serious problems’ give birth to ‘serious testimonies’. Deep calls unto deep.
Prophetic Decree: May you become the apple of God’s eyes indeed, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. Sing the song: Take me deeper, deeper in love with you. Jesus hold me close to your embrace.
2. Lord, help me to love you even as you love me dearly, in Jesus name.
3. Lord deliver me from sin that separates me from you, in Jesus name.
4. By the mercies of God, I enter into a covenanted love with Jesus.
5. By the force of God’s special love towards me, my mistakes shall be converted to testimonies, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Kings 18, 2 Chr 29-31, Psalm 48