The Book Of John In SongSample
John 11
Oh, the riches of grace in this portion of God’s Word. The first thing that stands out in this story is Martha’s bewilderment. Jesus had been informed about his friend Lazarus’ illness, but instead of immediately responding, he delayed. The delay wasn’t caused by busyness, but by providence. Jesus knew the bigger story in play. Our God has promised to do all things well, not all things easy. We are to wait, not worry.
Secondly, notice that Jesus spoke to a dead man—four days dead! Jesus doesn’t merely offer resurrection, he is the resurrection and life. Jesus provides what he commands. We have a lot in common with a dead Lazarus. When the gospel first came to us we were dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). The gospel isn’t about “turning over a new leaf”; it’s about becoming a new tree. Jesus spoke our name and we came to life—new life in Jesus.
Lastly, notice that the power of Jesus’ resurrection continues to be at work in our stories after we are raised to newness of life. Just as Lazarus needed to be set free from his grave clothes, so we too need the power of the gospel to heal and free us from the things that still bind us. We are to trade in our grave clothes for the garments of grace.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we praise, bless, and adore you for being such a wonderful, merciful, powerful Savior. By your resurrection, we are raised. By your life, we have life. Forgive us for doubting you when you work on a different schedule than ours. Deepen our trust and free us to wait patiently upon you. Continue to free us from our grave clothes, and use us to extend the fruit of your resurrection in the lives of others. Amen.
Scotty Smith
blogs.thegospelcoalition.org
Listen to the song “Lazarus”, written from John 11, by clicking on “Listen in browser” below.
Scripture
About this Plan
This 21-day Bible reading plan features 21 devotionals and 21 songs, that have been written from a specific passage in each chapter of the Gospel of John, enabling both, believers and nonbelievers to experience God’s truth in a unique and powerful way.
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We would like to thank Tommy Walker Ministries for providing this plan. For more information, please visit:
www.tommywalkerministries.org