Verse of the Day 11/24
John 11:41-42 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me." New Living Translation (NLT)
As we approach Thanksgiving we will be considering many things that we should be thankful for. This year, it may be more of a challenge due to the COVID19 virus. Family gatherings may be smaller; some that we know are likely suffering from the disease and its ramifications. Through it all, as Christ followers; we should be turning to God daily in prayers, knowing that He will answer.
What is interesting in this verse is when Jesus gave thanks. Anne Peterson writes, "I always found it interesting that Jesus thanked God for hearing his prayer before Lazarus took one step. Years ago, I made a mental note of that. God is worthy of praise. We don't have to wait to see if God delivers on something we ask him before we thank him. And if God chooses to say, "No," that doesn't mean God is less worthy of our praise."
We truly have a lot to be thankful for including the answers to prayers that we are still waiting on. May we eagerly wait for those answers in an attitude of faith. I've heard it said that God gives three types of answers. Sometimes it is "no", it is not His will for us, at least at this time; and we have to submit to His will. Sometimes it is "slow"; we may get answers that come a step, even a baby step at a time, nonetheless God is working in the situation. Other times it is "go"; God gives us a clear answer and a course forwards.
As you gather with family this Thanksgiving; may we say "thank you to God for always hearing me", no matter it be a "no", "slow" or "go" answer.
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
John 11:38-44 New King James Version (NKJV)
Lazarus Raised from the Dead
38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone."
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" 41 Then they took away the stone [a]from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."
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