🍃It’s Time To Wake Up
(John 11:1-45
Ephesian 5:8-14
Psalm 23)
Fifth Week of Lent
Sermon theme:
The raising of Lazarus is the last of Jesus’ miracles. It’s also the clearest sign of who he is, the Son of God, the Promised Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Opening prayer:
God of promise and hope, we come to you feeling dried up, like a valley filled with dry bones. Share your visions of new life with us, that we might have hope, for our future, bring us up from the grave, that we might live as people of, promise. Put your Spirit within us, that we might have life everlasting. In Jesus Name Amen.
It’s time to wake up! Covid-19 virus gives the opportunity to deepen our understanding of what it means to practicing being the church.
We are the church; the building is a place for us to meet and to have fellowship. Let us never forget that just because of what we are dealing with.
“Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister, Martha. “(John 11:1).
What is interesting about these three individuals, were among Jesus closet friends. He stayed in their home when he came to Jerusalem. How cool is that. To have Jesus come to your home for a time of fellowship, food, and fun. Jesus was their friend. He also enjoyed their hospitality. Even though Jesus had many followers, these three were His favorites.
So, as time has taken its course, the Bible said that His friend Lazarus become ill, ill to the point of death. Jesus was aware of the situation, however he never dropped what he was doing to rush back. Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus, it says that he stayed two days in place where he was.” (John 11:5-6). Friends we need to understand that Jesus is still the Lord of life, He not bound by time, and space. Diseases, famine, pestilences, and death doesn’t pose no threat to him. “This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God’s Son may be glorified by it.” (John 11:4). I’m reminded of a saying that was sent to me by one of my brother’s in Christ, COVID stands for Christ Over Viruses and Infectious Disease= Joshua 1:9.
When put the Lord first, He will give you the strength and vitality you need to experience life in abundance, during these difficult times that we all are facing.
It is so easy to get caught up in what others would have you think, say and do. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Be faithful, seek God’s will for life and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you.
The Bible tells us that Jesus open the eyes of the blind man, and now He has another opportunity to demonstrate the power of God to raise the dead to new life.
Jesus arrives to the home, Martha rushed out to greet Him. “She said, Lord, if would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died” (John 11:21).
Jesus replies by I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
The Bible tells us, that Mary greeted Jesus with the same response as Martha. This time, Jesus reacted differently. Jesus wept (John 11:35). Jesus goes to the tomb where Lazarus is buried. Jesus calls out his name, Lazarus come forth! It was miracle and a clear display of God’s power. It Time to Wake Up!
