Are you grave digging or stone rolling?

Today’s Reading: John 11:45-47 (NIV)

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.

Good morning!

What are we accomplishing? This is a great question! I’ve posed this very question in prayer daily, but especially in the last few weeks. I believe that, at some level, every human heart longs to make a lasting difference in their world. Oh, there may be a few who only seem to live for the moment, caring about their needs first and foremost, and seeking “what’s in it” for them. Yet, there are others who seem truly interested in making the world a better place for someone else. Somehow, our jealousies and insecurities push us to posture for position and power. This mindset can reroute affect many humble hearts from time to time. Do you know any ladder climbers out there? Folks who posture for position and control? This passage of Scripture speaks loudly to all of us today.

Can you imagine what the world might be like if everyone had an opportunity to see and know the power and love of Jesus Christ demonstrated right before their very eyes? Would every heart then believe? The miracle of Lazarus’ raising from death to new life was the talk of the town. If Christian believers claimed the power of Christ and began raising the dead in Jesus’ name, do you think there might be more Christian believers in the world? Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” [John 14:12]

When we share the Gospel message with others, we believe by faith that it is not just our own mere words, but the transforming power of the Holy Spirit giving life-changing hope to the lost. When a person gives their heart away to Jesus, they leave their life of sin behind and choose to move forward in faith. A lost and dead soul has now received new life in Jesus Christ! Grave stones are being opened every day as people come to know the Lord. Are you grave digging or a stone rolling?

The Gospel message did not end on the day Jesus hung on a tree. I challenge you today to ask the question, “What am I accomplishing for the kingdom of God?” Lives are being lost each day, yet Christ has spoken His power into our hearts. Life doesn’t have to end at the grave. It all begins anew in Christ. Do you know what it truly feels like to leave your grave of sin behind?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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