JOHN CHAPTER 11: THE RELAY RACE
“…Jesus said, where have ye laid him?...they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
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A relay race is a competition, of some kind, where, two or more, participants form a team and take turns completing, or performing, or finishing their required part of a set race-course against another team of contestants.
For instance, one type of relay race has four participants on a team and they are called sprinters. Each sprinter runs, his or her pre-SET, but equal distance or leg, carrying a baton, and then passes, the baton, on to the next runner in the exchange zone. “…I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us…” (Philippians 3:14 NLT).
However, in a SPRINT medley relay, some participants, on the same team, can run longer or shorter distances or legs before passing the baton.
Regardless of the distance or leg each sprinter runs, the baton must be exchanged in a pre-determined zone and passed on to the next runner in order for the team to FINISH the race, according to the rules. “…Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless…” (Philippians 2:16 NLT).
A team is disqualified if the baton is lost, or dropped, or laid down, or improperly exchanged from one sprinter to the other.
The last sprinter in the final position is called an ANCHOR and is usually the FASTEST, the BEST, or most EXPERIENCED participant on the TEAM. “…Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win…” (1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT).
The ANCHOR basically has the responsibility for catching up or making up for lost time or any shortcomings of the other TEAM members by TAKING THEM to the FINISH LINE. “…I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful…” (2 Timothy 4:7 NLT).
The Christian journey is often like a relay race and the baton represents your HOPE. “…run with endurance…” (Hebrews 12:1 NASB).
When you have run your distance of days, weeks, months, or years instead of passing the baton; you laid it down. You have grown weary and can’t endure the rest of the distance. “…Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1 NASB). “…The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives.…” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT).
Though you are, supposedly, on Jesus’ relay team it seems he abandoned the RACE a long time ago. You have come to believe there is NO ONE to pass the baton too. “…When He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was…” (John 11:5-6 NASB).
The baton represents your HOPE. “…You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 NLT).
If you start to believe you have no one to pass the baton of hope to and you can no longer carry it alone; what do you do? “…Many … had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother[‘s] death…” (John 11:19 NASB)
The hammering of one’s HOPE can cause them to lay their hope down, wrap it in grave clothes, and buried it in a tomb. “…Jesus said, where have ye laid him?.... The place where the dead … [is]… laid...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
John 11:1-44 is about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. This scriptural account of Lazarus is a WITNESS of God’s power to raise the DEAD. “…I am the resurrection and the life…” (John 11:25 KJV)
It is also a story about God’s power to raise the “DEAD” period; including DEAD “HOPE.” “…. Is there any thing too hard for [God]…?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…the things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead holds important truths about “DEATH” and God’s POWER over death. “…Jesus said, where have ye laid him?...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
The believer can learn how Jesus will take the baton of HOPE, and get them to the finish line. “…Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” …“Unbind him, and let him go…” (John 11:39, 44 NASB).
John tells us that the sicknesses (trials and tribulations) we go through in life doesn’t lead to death, but will result in the glory or goodness of God. “…The sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). “…In the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD…” (Exodus 16:7 NASB). “…Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him…” (John 9:3 KJV). “…believe the works…” (John 10:38 NIV). “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV).
The RESULT of our HOPE will NOT end in DEATH! “…HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT… (ROMANS 5:5 NASB). “… "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).
However, Lazarus died. Martha and Mary’s HOPE did end in death and disappointment. “…Lazarus is dead…” (John 11:14 KJV).
Like so many others who have hoped in God for days, weeks, months, and years; their HOPE has ended in DEATH and DISAPPOINTMENT. “…if thou hadst been HERE my brother had NOT died…” (John 11:21 KJV).
People have watched, witnessed, and participated in the DEATH of HOPE in their marriages, or for the conformation, transformation, or salvation of a friend or relative, or through the physical deaths of children, parents, friends, and relatives, or their dreams and long-term desires, and through undesirable situations or circumstances. “…said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…Mary was come where Jesus was….saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…” (John 21, 32 KJV).
When HOPE does not GO “OUR” way, or MOVE in our desired direction, or things are not resolved in our desired TIMING or our expected OUTCOME; it is no wonder “HOPE” DIES. “…I have NOT seem the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread… Wait on the Lord, and keep his way …” (Psalm 37:23-40 KJV).
Lazarus’ sickness turned deadly and did NOT go Mary and Martha’s way nor was it resolved in their desired outcome. Lazarus died. Yet, Jesus said “…this sickness is NOT unto death, but for the glory of God…” (John 11:4 KJV). WHAT!!?
Mary and Martha lost Lazarus and was grieving and disappointed. How does “THIS” display God’s goodness or give him glory?
Mary and Martha were with Lazarus during his entire sickness, probably watched him die, went to his funeral, saw his burial, and grieved over his loss. Their HOPE for his LIFE died with him. NOW “…Jesus said, where have ye laid him?...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
After a certain period of TIME and purposeful DELAY; Jesus shows up. After a host of endless days, weeks, months, and years Jesus WANTS “YOU” to retrieve your baton of HOPE. “…where have ye laid him?...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
The death of HOPE happens OVER long periods of TIME, with every disappointment, through continued and seemingly defeated experiences, from what we SEE and witness, by way of yet another unfulfilled dream or desire, by the ongoing victory of physical sickness, loss, grief, and life’s mockery of hope in God. “…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40 KJV).
REALLY GOD? WHEN?
Martha and Mary were disappointed because the situation did NOT go or turn out the WAY they WANTED or EXPECTED. “…..nevertheless, NOT [Martha and Mary’s] … WILL, but …[God]s] … be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV).
Jesus did NOT come at Martha and Mary’s beck and call, but delayed his coming. Things did NOT turn out the WAY “they” wanted. What they wanted ended in GRIEF and they were sadly disappointed. Yet, “…If the Lord will, [their HOPE] shall live, and [enable them]…do this, or that...” (James 4:16 KJV).
DISAPPOINTMENT is one of the BIGGEST “KILLERS” of HOPE. “…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).
God’s loving and gracious intentions are ALWAYS for “YOUR” good. When God says: “…you will see the glory of God…" he is saying, “You will SEE God’s goodness DISPLAYED.” (John 11:40 KJV).
It is a PROMISE! “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 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).
The display of God’s goodness (His GLORY) is often DELAYED for the RIGHT and PERFECT TIME “SET” by God himself. “…And in the PROCESS of time IT CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
“...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).
Martha and Mary’s PROCESS involved Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus’ delay, their brother’s death and funeral, and a brief period of grief. “…The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…” (Psalm 37:23-40 KJV).
When does the DEATH of HOPE happen? When you find yourself involved in challenging events or experiences, especially over a long period of time, that constantly and viciously steals, kills, destroys and hammers away at your HOPE. God promises you “hope” and a “future” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…I know the thoughts that I think toward you … to give you an expected end…” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
The DEATH of HOPE is a PROCESS and weapon formed by the enemy to discontinue or totally STOP the believer walk of faith. “…No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou (God) shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD…” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).
IF the enemy keeps pounding at your HOPE; he thinks he will prosper. However, “…no weapon turned against you will succeed…” (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). “…no weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17 NIV). “..No weapon that is formed against you will prosper…” (Isaiah 54:17 NASB).
Sickness, loss, disappointment, broken hearts, lifeless relationships, doubt, and death are events and experiences that can make you abort your walk of faith. “...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). “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
God did NOT say sickness, death, disappointment, or grief were GOOD, but he did say they would work together for good. “...ALL “THINGS” work (PROCESS) together …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). You don’t know the time factor. “…And in the PROCESS of “TIME”…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
Because you don’t know what could possibly be working together for good when you’re grieving, or sad, or disappointed yet again, or heartbroken; “…walk BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).
Over TIME and DISTANCE HOPE is challenged and believers get tired. In a relay race, each sprinter MUST do his or her part of the distance or leg.
The distance or leg of the racecourse will not be reduced or altered for any sprinter, but each one must finish their part of the competition. “…And in the PROCESS of time “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
EVERY RELAY RACER HAS A PURPOSE. “...to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).
In a relay race the next sprinter is WAITING in the exchange zone to take the baton and keeping moving toward the finish line. Each sprinter is to run their OWN distance or leg, in which, they were SPECIFICALLY chosen to run.
Like a sprinter waiting in the exchange zone; Jesus is WAITING, at the right place, to take your baton of HOPE to the FINISH LINE.
“...ALL THINGS work together for good …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV). “…to the intent that ye may BELIEVE ….” (John 11:15, 25 KJV).
In the RELAY RACE OF LIFE not only is it HARD to finish our part of the distance or leg, but we often laid down the baton of HOPE. Our HOPE died and has been dead for so long; it STINKS!! “…Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days…” (John 11:39 KJV).
Martha and Mary went through his sickness, probably watched him die, buried him, knew he was decaying in his grave, and therefore had NO HOPE for Lazarus at ALL in this life. “…by this time he stinketh…” (John 11:39 KJV).
There was no baton of HOPE for Martha and Mary to pass on other than they would see Lazarus in heaven one day. “…I am the resurrection and the life…thy brother shall rise again…Believest thou this? …I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day…” (John 11:23-27 KJV).
In the RELAY RACE OF LIFE it becomes humanly impossible to FINISH your part of the distance or leg of the RACE. It is NORMAL to blame Jesus or God. “…said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…Mary was come where Jesus was….saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had NOT died…” (John 21, 32 KJV).
In a human relay race if you can’t finish your distance or leg or if you lose, drop, or lay down the baton; you are DISQUALIFIED!
But God loves YOU. “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). “…“…[His]… grace is sufficient for you … [His]… power is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
Like Martha and Mary and so MANY of God’s people, you have LAID down your baton of HOPE. Jesus asked: “…where have ye laid him?...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV). Where did YOU lay your baton of HOPE?
You are NOT disqualified. Martha and Mary were NOT disqualified. God is RICH in GRACE. “…He is “SO” RICH in kindness and GRACE …” (Ephesians 1:7 NLT). “….The exceeding RICHES of his GRACE in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus…” (Ephesians 2:7 KJV). “… [The] incomparable RICHES of [God’s]… GRACE …[is]… expressed in his kindness in Christ Jesus...” (Ephesians 2:7 NIV).
In the RELAY RACE OF LIFE Jesus is on our TEAM even when it doesn’t seem like it. He PROMISES “NEVER” to leave you! “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…Behold, I am with… [you] and will keep… [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you]…." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
God will take you BACK to the PLACE where you BURIED your HOPE. “…where have ye laid him?...” (John 11: 34, 41 KJV).
Then GOD ALLOWS you to RETRIEVE your baton of HOPE so you can FINISH the RACE. “…TAKE ye away the STONE….they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).
Your HOPE was wrapped in the GRAVE CLOTHES of disappointment, doubt, weariness, loss, heartbreak, abuses, physical death, long-term physical sicknesses, wayward children spouses, or relatives, lost dreams, unfulfilled desires, broken relationships, and a host of other hopeless events or experiences, and JESUS SAID: “…loose him (your hope) and let him (them) go…” (John 11:44 KJV).
Nobody can disqualify you from the RELAY RACE of LIFE not even you. TAKE BACK YOUR HOPE!! “….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).
Jesus is your ANCHOR in the RELAY RACE OF LIFE and “HE” will get you to the FINISH LINE!!! “…Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR and FINISHER OF [Y]OUR… FAITH…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [you]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).
God KNOWS you are weary. He KNOWS you are tired. He KNOWS it has been a long TIME. He KNOWS how heartbroken you’ve been. He KNOWS your disappointment.
HE KNOWS the events and experiences that have hammered down your HOPE. He ALSO KNOWS, in spite of it ALL, you “WILL” finish the RACE victoriously!!!
Every DREAM or DESIRE is YOURS in JESUS NAME. “…loose him (your hope) and let him (them) go…” (John 11:44 KJV).
TAKE BACK YOUR baton of HOPE!! “…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV).
“…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...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
YOUR HOPE IS “NOT” DEAD!! “…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).
“…"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory (GOODNESS) of God?" (John 11:40 KJV). Again, TAKE BACK YOUR baton of HOPE!! “…they TOOK away the STONE from the PLACE “WHERE” the DEAD was laid…” (John 11:39-41 KJV). JESUS SAID: “…loose him (your hope) and let him (YOUR HOPE) go…” (John 11:44 KJV).
RUN ON!!! “…[JESUS]… will keep you strong to the… [FINISH LINE!!!]…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).
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