Sermon Nuggets Week of June 30, 2008
Theme- Overcoming Death
Verses John 11:1-3Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.
3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick."(NIV)
Special People
How do we face death victoriously? The only way to face the future in this fallen world is with a vital relationship with Jesus Christ. The most traumatic experiences every person faces are death of loved ones. Jesus is our only hope. This story of the raising of Lazarus demonstrates the power and passion of Jesus. It begins with the fact that this death of Lazarus was of a special friend.
Mary and Martha were sisters to Lazarus and all were special friends of Jesus. Why does Jesus pick such commoners for his friends and apostles? It is not because of their wisdom, merit, good looks, money, spiritual maturity, intelligence? This fact overwhelms me that God of the universe wants a relationship with all people and has a special heart for those the world may overlook. The relationship Jesus had with this family was special.
Martha, Mary and Lazarus provided a place to stay for Jesus and his friends. Martha was known as the server, and Mary the contemplative one. They were followers of Jesus, they were hospitable to the disciples. They helped Jesus ministry not only in worship, but also their material gifts, and most importantly their friendship. Jesus loved them.
Charles Wesley wrote in one of his Hymns, "Faithful to my Lord's commands. I still would choose the better part. Serve with careful Martha's hands, and loving with Mary's heart. "
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you are one of God's favorites. You have been called to be part of his family. I am blessed with many special people, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ that make our family larger. Jesus gives us that bond. We can bear one another’s burdens, We can share in their joys and sorrows. We are special because of Jesus love.
Mary and Martha knew of Jesus healing powers and so when Lazarus was quite sick they sent a messenger to find Him right away and let him know, so He could come at once. That is how I pray. I want to tell God how to do what He should do and when. .
The fact that Jesus loves us however, and we love and serve Him is no guarantee that we will be sheltered from the problems and pains of this life. Indeed, even the Father above loved his own Son, Jesus, yet permitted Him to suffer the death on a cross. Do not confuse troubles,
problems, pain and disease, with the thought that Jesus does not know, or care. He does.
I rejoice in the thought that you and I are among God's favorite people. We can claim, along with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. We are special people, because we are friends of Jesus.
Pastor Dale
