God is always on TIME- Part 1

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TOPIC: God is always on TIME- Part 1

TEXT: John 1:1- 45

In an earlier Blog, I discussed the subject of time somewhat. In many circles- be it science, economics (time value of money for example), government, education, and definitely religion, time is always a concept that fascinate, intrigue people. We all know that we live in time. Almost everything is measured, controlled or affected by time. People use the phrase “time heals all wounds”, which is not accurate- but that is not the focus of this teaching. Suffice it to say, time is here, we live in TIME, we do everything relative to time. Finally, we even measure our life in time ( Age is a derivative of time. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years.. so when someone is 30 years old. we can easily convert to any of the time units.

This brings us to one of my favorites passages in the bible. The story of Lazarus- in John 11. When the story opened, we were informed that Lazarus was sick, we were told where he lived (Bethany) and who his sisters were (Mary and Martha)- John 11:1.

Next we were told that this family were close to Jesus- Lazarus was his friend, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus (see Mat 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7: 36-50 and John 12:1-8). This was not just any ol’ family. They knew Jesus and Jesus knew them and loved them (vs 5). that Verse may go over many reading it. The question is- why did the Holy Spirit emphasize that “Jesus Loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus?”, We know that Jesus loves everybody- this is why He went to the Cross to die for us all. We’ll find out more in the next 2 verses.

After Jesus learned that his friend- Lazarus- whom He loved was sick. Guess what Jesus did- He stayed back 2 more days. What kind of love is that, you might ask? You will expect, even for someone you just like or an acquaintance, you will at least go and visit them. But the Scripture told us that He loved him, yet he stayed back.. why????

Jumping down to verse 11- Jesus told the disciples- “Lazarus sleeps”. Their response was of relief.. and they said “Lord if he is sleeping, then the sickness has gotten better and he will be okay” (vs 12 – paraphrased). But Jesus told them plainly in verses 13-14 “Lazarus is dead” because they misunderstood his word “sleep” for taking a nap or rest. This implied that by the Holy Spirit, Jesus knew that the sickness would lead to death and that at that moment, indeed Lazarus was dead. This is where the question will come up- Why didn’t Jesus do something about this case before it got worse and led to death. He knew, WHY!!!!

Sometimes God almighty waits to gain more glory and demonstrate his power uniquely in situations. In our prayer life sometimes, we wonder, why has God not answered my request. Its getting late. sometimes it may even appear over- like the case of Lazarus. I’m here to encourage you today, God is always ON TIME. Remember, He created everything, including time and He has the prerogative to reverse time or reverse what time has wrought, Glory to GOD!.

So, Lazarus is DEAD, its over. Why bother right? Maybe this aptly describe your situation- you may not be physically dead, but in reality that situation is dead. everyone including yourself have given up. in fact, any normal thinking person would give up. That is the ONLY option left right?

Well, don’t stop reading.. lets move on. While all this was going on, a funeral scene has begun in Lazarus home. friends, neighbors, and even haters have gathered to mourn this young life. Just like perhaps many have given up on your situation (the doctor, family, everyone, maybe even you)- as we will learn with Mary and Martha!

When Jesus and His entourage finally arrived in Bethany- there was already a crowd at Lazarus home. Also if you read from vs 7-10, Jesus was not welcomed there, they want to stone him (vs 8). So it was not necessarily a smart idea for him to visit Bethany, He went anyway, met at the outskirt of town by Martha.

Martha’s first words to Jesus is telling “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (vs 21). Isn’t that what we say to God? (perhaps in variant forms) ” Lord if you had done this.. this or that would not have happened…” Jesus responded “your brother will rise again” Martha misunderstood ( or misinterpreted) what Jesus said. She thought he meant “Lazarus will rise again in the resurrection of the last day”. Jesus is saying to you- yes YOU too today, Your situation will RISE again!

Part of the reason God waited in the case of Lazarus – I believe- is to show us a yet unknown side of HIM – the resurrection and the Life. Up till this time, People believe and you can tell by the words of both Martha and Mary – that Jesus could handle sickness, but death- that’s a different story altogether. Lazarus had to die for God to reveal to them and us that “He is the resurrection and the Life”. This does not only mean physical life- any thing dead or dying, Jesus has the Power to resurrect and bring life to your situation. Notices he does not have “resurrection and life” HE IS. did you get that?

Mary came and had similar conversation with Jesus. then we come to the showdown, Which God is about to do in your own life and situation! notice verse 37- people started murmuring nd mocking Jesus when they saw him weep in vs 35. “if Jesus loved him this much, why didn’t he stop this death or prevent it”. Same could be said of your situation- if Jesus loves her or him that much- why does Jesus allows…….(fill in the blank) in their life?

Notice in verse 39- Jesus told them to move away the stone, but by this time, there was a stench. the situation is not just worse, its become a nuisance to others. its creating a stench, an unbecoming odor!. Maybe your situation mirrors this perfectly- its gone from bad to worse and even more worse- and you are telling me God is always on time?

Jesus cried our with a loud voice- Just like he is right now as you read and believe this teaching- Lazarus (insert your name) come forth! Jesus is speaking to every dead life, business, ministry, family, marriage, hope, – come back to life. I prophesy to you now “every situation around your life that is dead or dying, come back to life in JESUS name”. Remember Jesus = Resurrection and LIFE. I Speak to the life of God to you now, be healed in Jesus name!

Let me recap: God is NEVER late, why:

1. He created time, so he controls time and can reverse time or reverse the effect of time.
2. He is the resurrection and Life, so even if time has caused death in your situation, He can reverse it.
3. Today is a good time for Gods favor to rest on you- Just believe.( remember what Jesus told Mary and Martha vs 25, 26, and 40).
4. God is a compassionate God and he cares deeply about you!

In our next study, we will look at Daniel in Lions den, the 3 Hebrew boys in fiery furnace and others, showing that God is always on TIME.

Remember – Jesus Loves you with an everlasting Love, Jesus is LORD and He is your Healer

-Bishop[/fusion_text]