Day of Praise

Mon, 02/08/19, "Day of Praise"

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. - John 11:43-44

It has been said that it's a good thing that Jesus said Lazarus's name when he shouted "Come out!" into the tomb or else every single dead person would've been raised up and walked out of that tomb. 

Such is the power of God's Word. God says it, and it's done. 

Friends, when you were baptized, you were called by name out of death into new life. God's word says, "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:3-4)

So many Christians live defeated lives, like a 6-ton (12,000 pound) male Asian, circus elephant that is kept in place by a small stake because it's been beaten down in it's training as a youth. It believes it has no power to break free from that stake when, in actuality, the stake is no match for the beast. 

So too, many Christians, not knowing or believing in the power of God's Word that's available to them, are kept in place by the small stake of circumstance because you've been beaten down by the world. You believe you have no power to break free from that stake when, in actuality, the stake is no match against God's Word in your life. 

Friends, Jesus is the Lord of all creation. Through him all things were made (John 1:3). When you were baptized, he called you by name from death into new life. 

So live today victoriously. 

Believe! Believe that Christ has more than a tomb prepared for your life. Come out of the tomb of despair and glumness. Believe that when Christ called your name in Baptism, he called you to share in his joy and victory.

And boldly speak the same to others that they too might have a new life. 

A great big, go-get-em hug to you all! Mmmmm mmm! Jesus is alive. And you are loved with a powerful and everlasting love. 

Praise God!