Poor Mary and Martha. Their brother, Lazarus, was deathly ill and the one person who could help him was not there.
They sent for Jesus, but He did not come right away. It was not until Lazarus died and had been buried in the grave for 4 days did Jesus arrive. Both Martha and Mary confronted Jesus with their displeasure.
John 11:21: “…If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” [Martha]
John 11:32: “…If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” [Mary]
God had other plans for the situation. Jesus did come and raised Lazarus from the dead. He beat the biggest Giant that faces all mankind: death.
How many times in our life have we needed help and the people who could make the difference were not there.
Christians should not be so easily discouraged. What does it mean to be a Christian? It simply describes the truth of who you are: A child of God with Christ within. At the new birth you receive the gift of holy spirit, which is “Christ in you the hope of glory”! (Colossians 12:7). Look at only some of the verses that declare this remarkable truth:
Romans 8:9-11: “…spirit of God dwell in you… if [since] Christ be in you…”
II Corinthians 5:17: “…in Christ… a new creation…”
II Corinthians 13:5: “…now that Jesus Christ is in you.”
Galatians 2:20: “…I live…but Christ lives in me…”
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus…”
This is not some token name tag designation, or some fake religious condition. It is for real. We actually have His power and authority and the love of God within.
So, where is Christ when you are being attacked with fear and doubt? He is not far, He is in you!
How loud do you have to yell to get Christ’s attention? Not very loud, He is already in you!
My awesome brothers and sisters in Christ, you have Christ in you! Who are you? A child of God with Christ within. You have His authority and power! You can do what He did and more!
Let’s close by reading the end of one of the most dramatic conversations ever recorded: John 17:26: [Jesus is speaking] “…that the love where with thou hast loved me may be in them [all future believers] and I in them.”
Agape,
Bob