by Wally Fry
John 12:7-11, 17-23
“But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” John 12:10,11
The non-believing world in the day of Jesus was hostile to our Lord and got more and more hostile as His ministry continued. It seems fairly amazing that, in light of the clear and evident fact that Jesus raised Lazarus that the Pharisees still refused to believe in Him. Instead of believing, they were angry that others were choosing to believe in and follow Jesus. The solution of the Pharisees was to eradicate the evidence! Clearly, many of these men had seen the miracle of the raising of Lazarus and that many of those who chose to believe also had; yet, their response was to not simply ignore the evidence but to attempt to make the evidence go away. “If we only kill this guy Jesus raised from the dead, then our problems are solved;” this seemed to be the rather convoluted logic of the non-believing Pharisees.
Guess what, friends? Not a thing has changed. Even today, the non-believing world thinks if only they can erase the evidence of God, then God will cease to exist. Eternally sadly for them, that simply will not work. Just like the Pharisees could not actually erase the fact that Lazarus died and came back, the clear evidence of God and our Lord Jesus Christ likewise can never be erased. The only question is: who will we choose to believe?
December 2, 2018 at 09:09
I just read a newsclip about a Miami police officer, in some authority, that was caught destroying Jewish Bibles, religious artifacts and other Jewish icons stating in very acerbic terms and with much cursing that there is no place for these writings and such in our day. He was suspended pending investigation, but the attack continues and is getting worse and more blatant as the days go by. If the world will do it with Judaism, it will and is also doing it with Christianity for those that have faith in God Almighty as King and Lord are enmity with the world and the ways of the world. Just like this lesson you cited, if they can only get rid of the evidence and yet, WE ARE the evidence and until the Lord calls us home to be with Him, there IS NO ERASING the evidence!! We need to remain cautious, vigilant and yet ever prayerful, for just one of us rising from the death of our sinful nature is another preponderance of evidence that the world CANNOT deny! Our very lives in Christ is an example of His power, mercy, grace and Love and there is nothing that can be said or done to truly deny that! God Bless!
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December 2, 2018 at 09:11
That’s a sad story Roland. Thankfully God has this all well in hand
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December 2, 2018 at 10:41
It has always been this way for the Lord and for those that love Him… 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 24:9). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
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December 2, 2018 at 13:39
That’s a fact, brother. There is nothing new under the sun for sure.
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December 2, 2018 at 12:39
I have an school friend who posts very interesting questions about Christianity on his facebook to start discussions. Although on his facebook posts you are not allowed to attack each other I can still see the hostility many of the non-believing people have towards those who choose to believe. Actually sadly the hostility seems to run from both sides sometimes. As a Christian all I want is for all people to be saved and also know the same love and joy that Jesus gives me. It’s hard to erase what I personally have seen and felt and why some people would care to try to make someone not believe seems totally ridiculous. You can’t erase truth.
I really enjoy these devotionals…they are very thought provoking.
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December 2, 2018 at 13:06
Thanks Terri. You made some great points there. You keep sharig your joy. God will take care of the rest
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December 3, 2018 at 00:40
Reblogged this on BibleProphecyWatch.
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December 3, 2018 at 17:47
So true.
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December 3, 2018 at 18:35
Thanks Anna
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December 3, 2018 at 21:18
All true since the beginning ~ the antithesis goes on and on, strengthening us as His people to grow closer to Him, conforming us to His image, preparing us for His glory. Blessings for your week.
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December 3, 2018 at 21:59
Well said, Fran, thank you.
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