LAZARUS SLEEPETH
Friday – July 12, 2019, Tamuz 9, 5779
Greetings to all and welcome back to this in-depth Bible Study of the Book of John. Our Lord, our God is the only living God and is so merciful and so gracious to us all, saint and sinner alike. If you are reading this on Facebook please take a moment and hit the “like” and “share” buttons so I know you are engaged and sharing these Truths. The featured pictures this week are from a recent trip to Samoset Resort in Rockport Maine. Today’s picture was taken in the main lobby of my beautiful bride and myself. Now, let’s turn our attention to our study by reading the primary Bible text aloud.
John 11:9-14 (KJV)
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
I will now move into verse eleven where we find that Jesus has been given the go ahead to go to Lazarus. Jesus has been made aware by the gift of knowledge by the Holy Spirit that Lazarus has now died. Jesus refers to Lazarus’ death as being asleep conveying the idea that this is a temporary condition much like sleeping. He is telling the disciples that today we are heading to Bethany. We find out in a few verses that when they arrive in Bethany Lazarus has been dead four days. We will deal more with the number four next week. It is clear from the text that Jesus is going to raise Lazarus from the dead and He considers it no more of a feat then waking up someone who is asleep.
Mark 10:27 (KJV)
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Modern science has never brought anyone out of the grave but God has brought many out of the grave. Notice in the Mark reference above the word “with” and the word “all”. It is essential that we are “with” God, that means thinking His thoughts, speaking His Words, and doing His ways. Consider the following verse.
Amos 3:3 (KJV)
3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
If we are not in agreement with God in our thoughts, words, and ways we are not really walking with Him and if we are not with Him everything supernatural becomes impossible to us. Many do their own thing and then when they want something, they cannot do they go to God. Have you ever noticed that does not work? The word “all” means all, no hidden meaning, nothing exempted. Hopefully, you fully understand that all is by faith, in love, and led of the Holy Spirit. Before I move on, I want to point out that Lazarus is indeed a friend of Jesus’ and therefore a friend of God. Not that Jesus was operating as God in the earth but He did nothing unless it was approved or directed by the Father and therefore this friendship could only occur with the concurrence and leadership of the Father by the Holy Spirit. Remember, in the Kingdom of God love and Covenant precede friendship which is the polar opposite of the world system. Great surprise there, huh? (sarcasm).
Back to this account we find the disciples relieved to hear that Lazarus is basically taking a nap and is again in good health. Jesus does not allow their misconception or lack of spiritual insight linger and pointedly tells them that Lazarus is dead, graveyard dead. Our God will go to all kinds of lengths to dispel ignorance but of course we must be willing, exercise our freewill, to receive and do our part. Always, our part will include diligence and it will require a change in thinking, talking, and doing. And there in my friends is the rub. We are all too happy to take the easy downstream path rather than the upstream path that requires us to participate and change. This change to align with Scripture will result in a further separation from the world. Because the ways of the world are familiar although they bring stealing, killing, destroying into our lives (generally unrecognized) it seems the easier route. That route brings the curse into our lives and a bad testimony of the Kingdom of God.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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