Saturday, 2^nd November 2024

By Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: YOU MUST DIE TO RISE AGAIN

Theme Scripture: "Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again". John 11:23 KJV

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS

1. Why is it that sometimes good followers of Christ suffer predicaments, and unfortunate situations in this life?

Caleb was 15 years when he trusted his life with Jesus. Later, he was baptized and has since not looked back. Everywhere Caleb went, he demonstrated that he is not ashamed to be a follower of Christ.

However, as an architect 15 years after choosing to be a follower of Christ, one thing remained unchanged in Caleb's life. He can't take it when he is low on cash. Actually, he gets sick when he has no money. In 2010, Caleb lost his job and that was a big blow to him. It was at that same period he was planning to marry. Caleb turned to God for help and it seemed God was silent this time. No direction was coming from God and no help was coming his way. Then the worst happened; Caleb was kicked out of his rented apartment. He eventually had a temporal place with a friend. Caleb lived with his friend for 8 months before light showed up in his dark tunnel.

Caleb's case is not different from Lazarus who fell sick and Jesus delayed to come to his aid. Lazarus was a good friend to the Master yet his urgent call received a seemingly delayed response. When the worst happened, then the Master stepped in, and turned the situation around.

Beloved it may seem that the Lord has delayed in coming to your aid. Remember, He is never late.

There is a reason. He wants you to die, so you can live anew. "I don't want to die; I just want to be helped", you may say. Often, we see events in our lives; moments of trials or triumphs. But God sees a plan; a well-painted picture of your entire life such that moments of today are to add color to your tomorrow, bringing glory to his name.

Precious one, when God waits so we die it is because He wants us to become better. There are certain dross in our lives we must get rid off. Lazarus and his sisters knew Jesus as a healer. They did not know him as the resurrection and the life. They wanted healing but Jesus wanted to give them a resurrection.

Martha and Mary wept, lamenting that if Jesus had come early Lazarus wouldn't have died. Yea, it is true.  But is it too late?

During the 8 months Caleb lived with a friend, he learnt to die to money. He learnt the hard way that money can be made or lost around the clock. But the one whose dependence is on God, is unshakable, maintaining composure and joy  in all situations. Caleb learnt that with or without money, he can still dream big and pursue great plans because God is able to make all grace abound toward him, and more so that there will not only be enough for his own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others (2 Cor 9:8).

God came through for Caleb and when he started his new life, he knew how to depend on God for all his financial supplies.

Beloved, you may have known God as a Savior. You may not have known Him as a provider, unable to totally depend on Him for all your provisions. He will help you to know Him as your provider. Or, you do not know Him as your healer, etc. There are certain areas of your life that are not dependent on God. Today, He will help you bring them all under His Lordship. You will die in those areas of your life to live again, better and bigger than before.

God bless you more.

FURTHER READING: John 12:20-25

 Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so. 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU REFLECT ON THE WORD

1. How conscious are you of God’s word influencing your daily life?
2. How consistent are you with regards to spending time with God and His word daily?

 

PRAYER

Thank you Father, because you will always cause me to leave my comfort areas to pursue higher heights. I receive grace to die in every area of my life that doesn’t glorify you. I submit to your Lordship every area of my life, in Jesus’ Precious name. Glory to God.

 

One Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 31; Daniel 11; Acts 11; Acts 12