September 19, 2024 Devo

September 19th, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
The Story of Lazarus (John 11)
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
“Take Him There”

Jesus didn’t come to Bethany just to visit with Martha and Mary. He didn’t come to simply give a word of encouragement to the family, friends, and other mourners who were grieving with them. He didn’t want to hang out in the courtyard, sit in the shade, or even go into the house to enjoy the food that many had brought. Jesus wanted to go to the grave.
When I read this today it hit me how that’s where Jesus always wants to go—to our “dead” places. The places where we have things buried that need to be uncovered. The places of pain that we’re trying to cover up by being busy and wearing painted-on smiles. The places where we are deeply wounded, profoundly troubled, and painfully afraid. Like most graveyards, they aren’t fun places to visit. In fact, they’re scary. What will Jesus think of me when He sees what I’ve done? What will Jesus ask of me when He takes me to that place I’m trying so hard to avoid? I really don’t want to think about it anymore. Can’t we just sit in the living room and have another piece of pie?
But it’s in our “graveyards” that Jesus does His most amazing work. What the people were about to witness was a miracle beyond anything they’d ever seen before. Their disappointment was about to become a celebration. Their sorrow was about to turn to joy. And their doubt was about to give way to an amazing infusion of faith. It’s in our dead places where Jesus shows that He is the Way, the Truth, and the LIFE!
So what are you hiding from Jesus? What are you avoiding in your times with Him? What does He keep pointing you toward that you keep pretending that you don’t see? I know you’re afraid. I know you don’t want to think those thoughts, feel those feelings, and face those fears. But it’s in your deepest wounds that God can do His greatest healing. It’s in your greatest failures that He can demonstrate how great His grace really is. It’s at that grave that you stay away from that Jesus can perform His greatest miracle in your life. He’s asking you to visit that place today. So take Him there. That’s God’s Word for you today.