In The House Of MiserySample

Expect Our Table Of Affliction To Be Tuned Into A Table Of Blessing 

John 12 verse 2 shows us an intimate dinner scene where Jesus is anointed in the home of Lazarus with expensive perfume by Mary. We find Lazarus here seated at the table having dinner with Jesus.

Lazarus had spent four days sealed up in a tomb, totally oblivious to his condition. Now that he is alive, he is seen sitting at a table, fellowshipping with the Lord Jesus Christ! Everything has changed for this man! The tables have been turned. His life has now been transformed. 

His transformation has drawn him close to Jesus. He is enjoying the presence of Jesus. The more deeply we experience Jesus transforming our lives, our grave clothes coming off, the more deeply we seem to fall in love with Jesus. We’re drawn to him more. We adore him more. This is the evidence of true transformation: a desire of intimacy with Jesus. 

His transformation is also seen by the impact his life is now making on others. Lazarus’s life caused people to take notice. He was hard to ignore because something had honestly happened to him. The Bible tells us in John 12:17 that people “spread the word.” People shared what had happened. They gave witness to what they had experienced. 

Imagine what this would be like today for more and more people to share their powerful stories of transformation. Imagine what could happen. Why not? Why not now? Why not share your story? But this would happen only if you can say with confidence, once I was dead and now I am alive again!

Ephesians 2:1-6 says, "You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience; among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Quote: Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see. - Helen Keller

 Application question: If this was the very last day of your life, would you cry or have you been waiting for it?

Prayer: Lord, I do realize that You are with me in my miseries and that You take me through and give me life. Help me not to resent the troubles of life, but to welcome them, knowing that You are going to make something beautiful of my life through these troubles. Thank you. Amen