Today’s Podcast

Subscribe in: iTunes|Download

1. Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
2. Why do you ask God for the petitions you raise to Him? Jesus had only one purpose for every request. You know what it was?
3. Scripture
   1. John 11:4
   2. Jesus: His sickness will not end in his death but will bring great glory to God. As these events unfold, the Son of God will be exalted.
4. Devotional
   1. Wouldn’t it be nice to go into every hospital room and announce these words to every family member of every patient there? Wouldn’t that bring joy to your heart to tell everyone on their deathbed because of cancer or some traumatic injury or heart attack or stroke that they would get up from their bed and have a rich full life?
      1. Our world doesn’t work that way very often
      2. Sickness often ends in death
      3. Graveyards attest to the finality of this life
      4. We are all destined to die
      5. Even Lazarus went back to a tomb one day
   2. Medicine has gotten better
      1. Life has been extended
      2. Life expectancy reaches toward centennial years
      3. A few decades ago, 60 was old
      4. Social security set at 65 because government didn’t expect to have to pay very long when it was established. Average life span was 67.
   3. Jesus had something else in mind
      1. Wanted those around Him to know He had power over death
      2. Wasn’t the first time
      3. Centurion’s daughter
      4. Widow’s son in Cain
      5. None had been dead four days
      6. Practice was to bury the dead within 24 hours
   4. Lazarus would have already begun to decay and smell in the heat of the middle east, even closed away in a cave
   5. Shows us anything is possible for God, He is the creator of life
      1. He can take it and He can give it
      2. He did the same with His own life, yesterday’s words, no one can take it from Him, He willingly gives it up and has the authority to do so
      3. But not for show
      4. Not as some circus act
   6. Why do we ask for the impossible?
      1. Do we do it for ourselves
      2. Do we ask for our convenience or because of our grief
      3. Do we ask so that God will be glorified
   7. Jesus’ sole purpose was to glorify His Father and delayed His coming to Mary and Martha so that God would be glorified and for no other reason. He loved them and Lazarus.
      1. Didn’t want to see them grieve
      2. Didn’t want to see their pain and anguish
      3. Wanted to glorify His Father more, though
   8. What is your motivation for the petitions you raise to God
5. If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.