September 23, 2024 Devo

September 23rd, 2024

“It’s All About Jesus!”
The Story of Lazarus (John 11)
Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” – John 11:41-42 (NLT)
“Say It Out Loud”

It’s all God. I think intuitively we know that, but once in a while, we need to say it out loud. I received a really nice text this morning from someone who had given one of my devotional books to a friend at their church. Their friend, in turn, had shared a couple of the devotionals with someone out of state who was going through a tough time. The devotionals were just what he needed. It prompted him to check out some sermons and dig a little deeper. When I responded to the text, I shared how amazed I am at how God takes something that I think He’s meant for ME and connects it from one person to another and another. I’m just a writer. God is a miracle worker and an unbelievable networker. It's important that I never lose sight of that.
Jesus models this so well in our passage today. He is the Messiah, so quite frankly He can receive all the glory that He wants. He is worthy of it all! But notice in His prayer He gives all the credit to God. He wants to be sure that the people understand that He is not just doing this as Jesus the Nazarene. He’s doing it as a vehicle of the power of God Almighty. Even though He could rightfully take the credit, He points to God. He wants people to know that He’s not operating independently. He’s there on behalf of His Father.
The passage reminded me today that we just need to make sure that, like Jesus, we’re pointing people back to God. Yes, we all work hard as teachers, workers, leaders, and servants to hone our craft and do the very best work we can do. Yes, God has given each of us gifts, talents, and wonderful abilities that can lift, encourage, bless, and touch people’s lives. And yes, people will be grateful and complimentary. It’s okay to receive that appreciation with a humble and thankful heart. But it’s also important that we never forget where all this has come from and who is the One that is doing all the heavy lifting. Sometimes we need to do more than just know it. Like Jesus, we need to say it out loud. “It’s all God.” That’s God’s Word for you today.