September 11, 2024 Devo

September 11th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
The Story of Lazarus (John 11)
Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” – John 11:7-10 (NLT)
“High Risk/High Return”

My wife and I took a church in Western Pennsylvania several years ago. It was a church plant that had started and stalled. There were only about 40 or so people in the church, and they met in a local hotel. The area was not a high-growth area. In fact, the county had declined in population during the previous decade. It was not the place you’d normally choose to plant a church. Taking the church would mean about a $10,000 pay cut from the already meager salary I was being paid. It was risky, to say the least, but we felt God was in it. So, we went. The six and a half years we spent there were the most amazing we’ve ever been a part of in ministry. God blessed, the church multiplied many times over, and we witnessed extraordinary life change. Those of us involved often refer to those days as almost “magical.” Sometimes you have to take a risk to receive a high return.
That’s what Jesus was trying to communicate to His disciples in our passage today. Yes, He was asking them to go back with Him to a place that was dangerous. Yes, it may mean more threats, being jailed, or perhaps even being killed. But Jesus also knew that what He was going to do there would be something that would be more than amazing. He would perform a miracle that would blow people’s minds and lead to many becoming followers of His. Risky? Absolutely. But the return for the risk would be beyond what the disciples could ever imagine.
Sit with this truth for a minute or two today. Sometimes the call of God has some risks. God may be nudging you to have a hard conversation with someone that could definitely go south. God may be pushing you to share your faith with someone, and you fear it might drive them away. God may be asking you to take a role in a ministry that might not work out. Taking a risk for risk’s sake is foolish, not brave. But when God is in the risk, it becomes a window of opportunity. Don’t let fear keep you from what might be some of the most extraordinary moments of your life. High risk can sometimes bring a high return. That’s God’s Word for you today.