“…JESUS
SAITH UNTO HER, THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23
KJV).
*
Jesus, THE WORD OF GOD, made a BOLD statement about being LATE. His DELAY,
his INTENT and his REASON for coming to Bethany later than Mary and Martha asked, thought, or hoped was to perform a life-changing MIRACLE. “…Lazarus is dead …
I go, that I might awake him out of sleep….
” (John 11:14, 11 KJV).
Jesus. THE WORD OF GOD, made the following declaration BEFORE he completed the work of restoring Lazarus BACK to physical
LIFE. “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …”
(John 11:23 KJV).
Shall” means WILL!!! It doesn’t say thy brother might rise again, but that he SHALL. “Shall”
is used because of WHO is doing the rising. “…If the Lord will, [Lazarus]
SHALL (WILL) LIVE, and DO this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV). “…[God’s]…
counsel … SHALL (WILL) stand, and [he]… will do (shall do) all [his]… pleasure…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV).
SHALL = WILL. “…The just shall (will) LIVE “BY” FAITH: …”
(Hebrews 10:38 KJV). “…The just shall (will) LIVE BY “HIS” FAITH…”
(Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “…The just shall (will) LIVE BY FAITH…”
(Galatians 3:11 KJV). “…The just shall (will) LIVE BY FAITH…”
(Romans 1:17 KJV).
John 11:23 says“...thy brother SHALL (WILL) rise again...” In this verse it advocates for God’s sovereignty in
his ability to manifest and display his POWER regardless
of human or natural limitations, impossibilities, amounts of time, or when it seems too hard. “…[God]…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms
115:3 NIV).
“…He does as he pleases with
…the PEOPLES of the earth.
NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have
you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…I WILL DO “ALL” MY PLEASURE…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV).
Lazarus shall (WILL) “…rise again…”
Rise again points to live again, or be restored again, or revived again. “…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …”
(John 11:23 KJV).
Jesus prayed first. The bible says: “…men ought ALWAYS
to pray and NOT
faint…”
(Luke 18:1 KJV). “…Jesus
lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast HEARD ME. And I knew that thou HEAREST ME always: but because of
the people which stand by I said it, that
they may believe (DEPEND ON YOU and) that thou hast sent me (YOUR WORD)…”
(John 11:41-42 KJV). “…The prayer of faith SHALL
save the sick, and the Lord SHALL raise him up (Lazarus)…”
(James 5:15 KJV).
GOD "ALWAYS" HEARS AND LISTENS FOR HIS WORD!!
God, in his SOVEREIGNTY,
said through HIS WORD: “….THE LORD (THE WORD) SHALL
raise
him up…” (James 5:15). “Shall” in James 5:15 means HE WILL!!! It doesn’t say God might; it says “…the Lord SHALL raise him up...”
God is, clearly,
sovereign over human or natural limitations and impossibilities. God can
powerfully alter events, circumstances, and experiences. God
“…does whatever pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
“…He does as he pleases with
…the peoples of the earth.
NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have
you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…[His]… counsel (WORD) shall
stand, and [he]… WILL DO
“ALL” [HIS] … PLEASURE…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV).
The Sovereign God CAN
and DOES INTERVENE and OVERRIDE human or natural limitations
and impossibilities. “…He does WHATEVER pleases him…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV).
When mankind submits to
the truth of God’s sovereign WORD he or she will conclude: “…If
the Lord will, [WHAT
OR WHO] shall live, and do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
Ultimately, it is God
who does whatever he pleases and not mankind. “…He (God) does as he pleases (not mankind) with
…the peoples of the earth.
NO ONE can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have
you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
God’s sovereignty is
without dispute and his sovereignty is not restrained nor limited to human or
natural impossibilities. “…He does whatever pleases HIM…”
(Psalms 115:3 NIV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…”
(Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
Therefore, God says, “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much…” (James 5:16 KJV). “….The PRAYER OF FAITH (THE PRAYER THAT DEPENDS UPON GOD) “shall”
save the sick, and THE LORD “SHALL” raise
him up…” (James 5:15).
"…WHOEVER
BELIEVES IN HIM (DEPENDS UPON HIM) WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED …" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB).
“…HOPE (EXPECTANCY IN GOD) DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do all my pleasure…”
(Isaiah 46:10 KJV). “…NO ONE can hold
back [MY]… hand or say to [ME]: “What have you
done?” (Daniel 4 NLT).
If God is truly
sovereign and he is, then he does whatever HE wills with COMPLETE power and authority over life and
death. God wants the believer to DEPEND UPON the CONFIRMING POWER of his WORD revealed through the WORK of the HOLY SPIRIT. “…that
they may
believe (DEPEND UPON GOD and) that [HE] … hast sent me (HIS WORD)…”
(John 11:41-42 KJV).
God’s sovereignty over
life and death has in the past, does in the present, and will on into the future,
prevent or alter some course of action, event, or experience. “…If the Lord will, [SOMETHING or SOMEONE] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV).
“…NOW UNTO
HIM THAT IS ABLE to do
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Ephesians 3:20
KJV).
The Sovereign God,
alone, can intervene and POWERFULLY change the course of events or experiences
in your life and “…NO ONE can hold back his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV).
The source of POWER, AUTHORITY, and ABILITIES is GOD'S WORD and the CONFIRMING WORK of the Holy Spirit. When the righteous pray, God WILL
ALTER and RAISE UP our DEAD situations and circumstances. “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much…” (James 5:16 KJV). “….And the PRAYER OF
FAITH SHALL save the sick,
and THE LORD SHALL raise him up…” (James
5:15). “…THY BROTHER
“SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV).
"…WHOEVER
BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED …" (ROMANS 10:11 NASB).
“…HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…My counsel (WORD)… SHALL stand, and I will do
all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10 KJV).
Don’t be STOPPED by seemingly
DEAD hopes, dreams, prayers, desires, circumstances, or experiences. Don’t be depressed by what
the events and experiences are saying or doing to taunt or discourage your FAITH or dependency upon God. Don’t let TIME be the hammer that beats down your FAITH or dependency upon God to see HIS glory (presence) in your situation or circumstance. “…The
things which are impossible with men are
possible with God…”
(Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
God “CAN” sovereignly
and POWERFULLY INTERVENE in life’s course of events - to the degree - he can
and does prevent, reverse, restore, revive, or alter natural and human
limitations. “….HE IS ABLE… [and]…NO ONE can hold back
his hand…” (Daniel
4 NIV). “…the things which are impossible
with men are
possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….I am
the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing
too hard for me?”
(Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS
ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
(Ephesians 3:20 KJV).
“Let us not become weary in doing
good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we DO NOT GIVE UP…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). THE STRENGTHENING OF YOUR FAITH OR DEPENDENCY UPON GOD IS IN THE POWER OF HIS CONFIRMING WORD. THE FRUIT OF INDWELLING FAITH EMPOWERS YOU TO HOPE IN HIS WORD.
“…HOPE (EXPECTANCY IN GOD) DOES NOT
DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “[God’s]
…Holy Spirit (POWER) …is the SOURCE (STRENGTHENING, EMPOWERING, ETC.) [of it ALL]…” (1
Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
How Martha and Mary understood Jesus’
words revealed their level of faith or dependency upon God’s power. Most of God’s people
BELIEVE God will raise them up “…in the resurrection
at the last day…” (John 11:24 KJV).
Most people merely focus on understanding or knowing "about" established
doctrine and clichés. God WANTS you to KNOW his POWER personally so
that YOU MAY BELIEVE or depend upon him for yourself! “…that ["YOU"]…. may believe (depend upon god AND) that [HE] hast sent me (HIS WORD)…” (John 11:41-42 KJV).
Most believers have not paid attention to
or witnessed God’s POWER first-hand in their OWN lives. His POWER is more
hearsay than REAL to them. Thus, God allows you to experience trials and tribulations, so HE can miraculously SOLVE them for you, personally. “…this sickness….is NOT
unto death…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…that
[YOU].. may
believe
that thou hast sent me…”
(John 11:41-42 KJV). “…to the intent ye MAY BELIEVE…”
(John 11:15 KJV) “…Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have
hope…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).
Established doctrine and clichés are ALL “good” things, but Jesus desires to STRENGTHEN, BROADEN, and INCREASE
the believers perspective and FAITH (DEPENDENCY upon) his POWER. “…I am the resurrection…”
(John 11:25 KJV).
In addition, Jesus desires to reveal he
“IS” also the LIFE. “ … I am….the LIFE…”
(John 11:25 KJV). “…Jesus saith…I am … THE
LIFE…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John
6:63 NASB). “…Now the Lord (Jesus) is that Spirit…”
(2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). HE IS THE LIFE AND HE RESTORES LIFE!
Further, it points to another, deeper,
TRUTH. “IN” Christ, there is “NO” death. “…I tell you, whoever obeys my word (follows my instructions) will never see death…” (John 8:51 KJV).
“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 8:51 KJV).
Raising Lazarus from the dead was about LEADING Martha, Mary, his disciples, and YOU into a DEEPER spiritual TRUTH; Jesus is LIFE! “…Jesus saith…I am … THE LIFE…”
(John 14:6 KJV). WHEN JESUS COMES INTO ANY SITUATION OR CIRCUMSTANCE HE BRINGS "LIFE" TO IT!!
This LAZARUS MIRACLE was for the “INTENT” of
STRENGTHENING their FAITH (OR DEPENDENCY) UPON GOD. “…I
am glad for your sakes (his
disciples, including Martha and Mary and YOU) that I was not there (when Lazarus got sick and died), to the intent, you may BELIEVE (YOU MAY DEPEND UPON GOD'S WORD)….” (John 11:15 KJV).
The LAZARUS MIRACLE had the INTENT to REMOVE doubt, or question, or
uncertainty about the POWER of GOD'S WORD over DEATH and ALL other impossibilities! “…O death,
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55 KJV). "… [DO] NOT
DOUBT in [your] heart but [believe or depend upon me and) …what [you] say will happen, [and] it will be done for
[you]….”
(MARK 11:23 NIV). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing
too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…[God]
is able TO DO exceeding
abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE
[with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
“…… I am God, and there is none like me…"
(Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).
There
is often VERY little comfort or hope gleaned from God's promise that all things will work together FOR GOOD, especially in a situation we deem DEAD long ago. “...ALL THINGS work
(PROCESS) together for good to them that love God, to them who are
the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…”
(ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother….” (John 11:19 KJV).
Like Mary and Martha you have loss FAITH or dependency upon God in the "here and now" in regard to certain, seemingly DEAD situations and circumstances. “…If thou hadst been
HERE my brother had NOT died…”
(John 11:21 KJV).
Like
Martha and Mary you have made your complaint about the WORD "not" FIXING or REPAIRING your "DEAD" situation or circumstance. “…my
brother had NOT died…”
(John 11:21 KJV).
The WORD did "NOT" TURN the situations around to your DESIRED expectation and as far as you are concerned its DEAD. “…if thou hadst been HERE …” (John 11:21 KJV).
It is DEAD, because the WORD didn't turn it around "HOW" you wanted it to OR "WHEN" you wanted it to. DEEP INSIDE you wanted your WILL or DESIRE to work and “NOT” God’s will. Therefore, as far as you are concerned its a DEAD situation. “…I seek NOT mine own
will…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).
It is not unusual to have an attitude or be angry with God because he didn’t DO what “you” thought would be
the best solution and outcome in the difficult situations, events, experiences,
or circumstances of your life. “…if thou
hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…”
(John 11:21 KJV).
If you are honest, most times, you WANT God to submit to
“YOUR” will or desired outcome. You want to control the outcomes of events and experiences of your life; not God.
When God doesn’t “DO” what you WANT; human faith is seriously impacted. “…For I have come down from
heaven “NOT” TO
DO MY WILL BUT to do
THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV).
In addition, it reveals what is really in your own heart and whose DESIRED will
is truly prevalent: yours or God’s. At the end of the day, it is always YOUR choice to
submit to God’s will; whether you like his outcome or not. “…If the Lord will, [I] shall live, and do this, or that...”
(James 4:16 KJV). “…Humble yourselves
… under the mighty hand of God…” (1
Peter 5:6 KJV).
No matter what and no matter how long its been, God KEEPS and CONFIRMS his WORD! through the POWER of his Holy Spirit! “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20
NASB). “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of
my mouth: it
shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
“…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …”
(John 11:23 KJV).
God knows you are tired. God knows you get weary. God knows its been a long time. Nonetheless, “…Let us not become weary in
doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up…” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “…Wait upon the LORD [and he]…shall renew [your] strength; [You]… shall mount
up with wings as eagles; [You]… shall
run, and not be weary; and
[you]… shall walk, and not faint…” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).
God WANTS his people to continue - no
matter how many days or years have passed - to look forward to SEEING his GLORY
(revealed presence) in their situations and experiences. “…THY
BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN …” (John 11:23 KJV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to
you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God (revealed presence)?"
(John 11:40 KJV).
The strengthening of Godly FAITH or dependency upon God has a purpose, especially when God's revealed presence is DELAYED. DISAPPOINTMENT is "NEVER" the goal. “…[It is]…to the intent, you
may BELIEVE (may depend upon god's word greater)….” (John 11:15 KJV). “… HOPE (expectancy in God to do what his Word says it will do) DOES NOT DISAPPOINT…
(ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “…For the Scripture
says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM
WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED…"
(ROMANS 10:11 NASB). “… HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL
NOT BE DISAPPOINTED… (ROMANS 9:33 NASB). “…In You they trusted and WERE NOT
DISAPPOINTED…. (PSALMS 22:5 NASB).
“…Not one of the good promises
which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; ALL CAME TO
PASS…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).
“…Trust in the Lord
with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
Godly FAITH (dependency upon God) and DELAY also aims at maturing
the believer. “…My
brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE. …let
PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete (MATURE in CHRISTLIKENESS), lacking nothing….”
(James 1:2-4 KJV).
The challenge of your FAITH or (dependency upon God), particularly during LONG difficult periods of time, produces
PATIENCE. “…Dear brothers and sisters …when
your faith (your dependency upon god) is tested, your ENDURANCE has a chance to
grow. So let it grow, for when your ENDURANCE is
fully developed, you will be perfect and
complete, needing nothing….”
(James 1:2-4 NLT).
PATIENCE is one of the
GREATEST Godly traits that come of out of long periods of DELAY. It is the DELAY that develops, strengthens, and builds FAITH (or dependency upon God) and PATIENCE,
During DELAYS, FAITH (or dependency upon God) is challenged, YET Godly PATIENCE is developed. Patience is one of side effects of long-term
and difficult experiences. “…My brethren
….the testing of your faith produces
PATIENCE. But let PATIENCE have its
perfect work, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking nothing….”
(James 1:2-4 KJV).
It is the DELAY that produces the growth and development of PATIENCE’. “…So let
it grow, for when your ENDURANCE
(patience) is fully developed,
you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing….”
(James 1:2-4 NLT).
DELAYS often require humility. Long
periods of waiting, letting go of one’s wants and desires by submitting to
God’s wants and desires; and a having a deeper respect for God’s loving sovereignty over
ALL of life’s experiences TAKES humility.
DELAY is one of the most CHALLENGING parts
of FAITH (or dependency upon God). Delay will, definitely, TEST
your FAITH and your endurance, but it will also require you to HUMBLE yourself. “…My brethren ….the testing of your faith produces PATIENCE….” (James
1:2-4 KJV). “…Humble yourselves
… under the mighty hand of God…” (1
Peter 5:6 KJV).
Many believers have
complained that God takes TOO long. It is normal to grow tired and weary during
long periods of DELAY, especially if they include pain, limitations, loss,
sickness, or limited choices. Yet God says, “….let
PATIENCE have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete
(grown), lacking
nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV). AND “…Humble yourselves
… under the mighty hand of God…” (1
Peter 5:6 KJV).
DELAY can become a path
to full-grown spiritual maturity (that's what perfect and complete means). “…that you may be perfect (mature)
and complete (grown), lacking nothing….” (James 1:2-4 KJV).
God has ordered your steps to go through this or these particular situations and circumstances. “…The
steps of a good man are
ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way…”
(Psalms 37:23 KJV).
Thus, “….let PATIENCE have its
perfect work….” (James 1:2-4 KJV). “…Humble yourselves
… under the mighty hand of God…” (1
Peter 5:6 KJV). DELAY is no accident; therefore grow in the GRACE and KNOWLEGE of the LORD (the WORD).
It is a God-ordained
way to reach the end goal of spiritual maturity (Christlikeness) and empower your FAITH to make it to the finish line. “…be conformed to the image of His Son
(Christlike)…” (Romans 8:29 KJV). “…that you may be perfect (spiritually mature) and complete (spiritually grown),
LACKING NOTHING….”
(James 1:2-4 KJV). “…And in the PROCESS
of time IT (getting to the finish
line) [WILL COME] ...TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
YES, IT’S BEEN A “LONG” TIME, BUT DON”T
QUIT! DON’T GIVE UP! “…YOU HAVE “NEED” OF
ENDURANCE (faith, and patience)
…so you may receive
the promise…” (HEBREWS 10:36 KJV).
Therefore, “….LET US NOT GROW WEARY while doing good, for in DUE
SEASON we
shall reap if we do not lose
heart…” (Galatians 6:9 KJV). “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31
NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone
who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children
or property, for my sake and for the
Good News, will receive now in return
a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and
property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...”
(Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
“…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN
…”
(John 11:23 KJV). “…Jesus said to her,
"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God (the reveal presence of god)?"
(John 11:40 KJV).
YOU MAY HAVE NOT LIKED HOW THINGS TURNED OUT. YOU MAY NOT LIKE ALL THE THINGS YOU'VE HAD TO GO THROUGH. YOU MAY HAVE ACCEPTED AND ADAPTED TO THE SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN LONG DEAD TO YOU. YOU MAY HAVE DECIDED IT JUST WASN'T GOD'S WILL FOR YOU; EVEN THOUGH YOU WERE CERTAIN, BASED ON HIS WORD, THAT HE PROMISED IT TO YOU.
YET YOU HEAR HIS WORD AGAIN TELLING YOU THE SITUATION IS "NOT" DEAD AND IT WILL BE RESTORED. "....THY BROTHER SHALL RISE AGAIN..." YOUR SITUATION WILL BE RESTORED AGAIN AND YOU WILL SEE THE MANIFESTED AND REVEALED PRESENCE OF GOD IN "THAT" SITUATION!!
“…THY BROTHER “SHALL” RISE AGAIN
…”
(John 11:23 KJV). “…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God (the reveal presence of god)?"
(John 11:40 KJV).
GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS WORD HE MADE TO YOU; EVEN IF YOU BECOME UNFAITHFUL TO IT!!
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