Even Now: The Unyielding Hope in Despair
The salient point of this episode centers on the transformative power of inviting Jesus into our problems, particularly those that seem overwhelming and insurmountable. We explore the narrative of Mary and Martha as they confront the death of their brother Lazarus, emphasizing that their despair is met with the promise of resurrection. The discourse elucidates three pervasive lies that our problems convey: that they are personal, permanent, and pervasive. However, we assert that these misconceptions can be dismantled through the recognition of Jesus' presence and authority, which allows for healing and restoration. Ultimately, we encourage listeners to reflect on their own challenges and consider the profound impact of inviting Jesus into their struggles, thereby transforming despair into hope.
The discussion delves deeply into the poignant narrative of Jesus' encounter with the grieving sisters, Mary and Martha, following the death of their brother Lazarus. It explores the emotional turmoil and spiritual questioning that arises when faced with profound loss and the apparent silence of God. The central thesis posits that while human beings often perceive delays in divine intervention as neglect or abandonment, they may, in fact, serve a higher purpose. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' delay was not indicative of disinterest; rather, it was a deliberate act to facilitate a more profound demonstration of his power, culminating in Lazarus' resurrection. Through this lens, we are encouraged to reconsider our own tribulations, recognizing that they too may be part of a divine narrative that transcends our immediate understanding.
In a broader theological context, the episode articulates the notion that Jesus embodies the very essence of the Gospel, not merely as a messenger but as the manifestation of divine truth and authority. The speaker poetically asserts that Jesus did not require grand platforms or promotional efforts to draw people to him; his presence and words were inherently transformative. This aspect of the discourse invites listeners to reflect on their personal experiences with faith, urging them to acknowledge that even in moments of despair, hope and restoration are attainable through a relationship with Christ. The metaphor of Jesus as the 'bread of life' encapsulates the idea that he provides sustenance not only for physical hunger but also for the spiritual void that often accompanies human suffering.
Furthermore, the speaker identifies three prevalent lies that individuals often internalize when confronted with challenges: the personal nature of suffering, the permanence of problems, and the pervasive impact of trials on all aspects of life. Each of these misconceptions is systematically dismantled through scriptural references and personal anecdotes, illuminating the truth that God's timing and intervention are ultimately designed for our benefit. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action, inviting listeners to surrender their burdens to Jesus, emphasizing that he is capable of resurrecting hopes and dreams long thought lost. This exhortation serves as both a comfort and a challenge, reinforcing the belief that faith can catalyze transformation even amidst the direst circumstances.
Takeaways:
- The narrative of Lazarus illustrates the profound truth that Jesus embodies the resurrection and the life, demonstrating that even in despair, hope can be reignited.
- Jesus's ministry transcended mere words; his presence alone commanded attention and transformed the atmosphere, compelling entire nations to respond.
- Problems often attempt to deceive us with three pervasive lies: they are personal, permanent, and pervasive, yet these are countered by the empowering presence of Jesus.
- The story emphasizes that while we may perceive delays as denials, God utilizes these moments to prepare us for a revelation of his glory.
- Inviting Jesus into our difficulties allows us to witness his resurrection power that can restore what we believe is lost and bring about miraculous changes.
- Ultimately, the message is to preach Jesus everywhere, as his very essence is capable of shattering chains and transforming cities, regardless of the circumstances.
Transcript
Lord, Martha said to Jesus, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
Speaker A:But I know that even now, God will give you whatever you ask.
Speaker A:John 11, verses 21 to 22 Jesus didn't just preach the gospel.
Speaker A:He was the gospel in motion.
Speaker A:Wherever his feet touched, heaven kissed the earth.
Speaker A:His words didn't echo, they exploded.
Speaker A:Cities didn't just notice him.
Speaker A:It trembled at his arrival.
Speaker A:Social orders shook, religious spirits panicked, and demons packed their bags.
Speaker A:He didn't need a pulpit, a poster, a promo or a platform.
Speaker A:No podcast, no PR team.
Speaker A:Yet when he lifted his voice, nations leaned in.
Speaker A:When he opened his mouth, eternity bled into time.
Speaker A:The wilderness became a stadium.
Speaker A:The desert became the destination.
Speaker A:People left places palaces.
Speaker A:They left businesses and comfort zones.
Speaker A:Not for a concert, not for a conference, but for a word.
Speaker A:Some climbed trees, others ripped roofs off.
Speaker A:Four men tore through the ceiling just to drop their friend into glory.
Speaker A:Because when Jesus spoke, power got personal.
Speaker A:He didn't rent arenas, he didn't need lightning lighting.
Speaker A:But 5,000 men, not counting women and children, stood under the open sky and forgot their hunger.
Speaker A:Because he was the bread of life.
Speaker A:He was the Word before words were written.
Speaker A:The Logos who stood up in Genesis and said, let there be, and galaxies obeyed that same word, wrapped himself in flesh, entered the womb.
Speaker A:He created and tabernacled among us.
Speaker A:And when he preached, the impossible responded.
Speaker A:He preached not in palaces, but in graveyards.
Speaker A:And dead men heard him.
Speaker A:He didn't bring revival.
Speaker A:He is revival.
Speaker A:And now he has passed the MIC to his church.
Speaker A:Preach not because you're eloquent.
Speaker A:Preach not because you're qualified.
Speaker A:Preach because the Gospel still flips cities, shatters chains and fills deserts.
Speaker A:Preach Jesus Everywhere.
Speaker A:In John 11, Jesus, beloved friend, Lazarus is sick.
Speaker A:Mary and Martha send word for him.
Speaker A:But Jesus doesn't rush.
Speaker A:He doesn't panic.
Speaker A:He waits.
Speaker A:By the time he arrives, Lazarus is dead.
Speaker A:Now Mary, the worshipper, the one who poured out her perfume, the one who sat at his feet, is now weeping in disappointment.
Speaker A:If you had been here, why didn't you come sooner?
Speaker A:Lord, I trusted you.
Speaker A:And now it's too late.
Speaker A:But something in her spirit still believed.
Speaker A:But I know even now, God will give you whatever you ask.
Speaker A:Now there are three P's of a problem that we need to invite Jesus into today.
Speaker A:Sometimes, like Mary and Martha, we let our problems preach to us.
Speaker A:And problems try tell us three lies.
Speaker A:Firstly, it's personal.
Speaker A:Why me?
Speaker A:Why my family?
Speaker A:Why my finances?
Speaker A:Why this relationship?
Speaker A:We internalize the pain we feel targeted by trial.
Speaker A:But listen to me, brothers.
Speaker A:And sisters, it's not personal, it's purposeful.
Speaker A:God is working through it, not against you.
Speaker A:Jesus waited not because he didn't care, but because he was setting the stage for glory.
Speaker A:John 11.
Speaker A:4.
Speaker A:This sickness will not end in death.
Speaker A:It is for God's glory.
Speaker A:The second lie problems try to tell us is that the problem is permanent.
Speaker A:He's dead.
Speaker A:It's over.
Speaker A:The tomb is sealed.
Speaker A:We treat delays like denials.
Speaker A:But what man calls finished Gods call preparation.
Speaker A:Lazarus was not beyond hope.
Speaker A:He was ripe for resurrection.
Speaker A:What feels too late for man is, is still on time for God.
Speaker A:When Jesus finally shows up, he doesn't offer sympathy.
Speaker A:He brings resurrection power.
Speaker A:Lazarus, come forth.
Speaker A:Dead things don't say, don't stay dead when Jesus speaks.
Speaker A:The third lie problems tell us is that the problem is pervasive.
Speaker A:This is attacking everything.
Speaker A:My health, my emotions, my faith, my family.
Speaker A:Problems like to spread like mold, touching every part of your life.
Speaker A:But when Jesus walks in, his presence breaks the pattern.
Speaker A:Mary said even now, and that even now shifted the atmosphere.
Speaker A:There is an anointing in the two worlds.
Speaker A:Even now you may be in a delay, a valley, a grave of your own.
Speaker A:But hear me.
Speaker A:Even now, Jesus can speak.
Speaker A:Even now, healing can happen.
Speaker A:Even now, the stone can roll away.
Speaker A:Even now, what's buried can breath again.
Speaker A:Let Jesus into the problem.
Speaker A:Jesus didn't just visit the grave.
Speaker A:He commanded it.
Speaker A:He didn't just comfort the sisters.
Speaker A:He called the brother.
Speaker A:He didn't just attend the funeral.
Speaker A:He cancelled it.
Speaker A:Oh, that's deep.
Speaker A:He didn't just cancel the funeral.
Speaker A:He cancelled it.
Speaker A:Whatever.
Speaker A:Your three Ps are personal, permanent, pervasive.
Speaker A:They all bow down to his presence.
Speaker A:Here's some questions we can reflect on.
Speaker A:Have you believed your problem is personal?
Speaker A:Do you think it's too late for change?
Speaker A:Has your pain spread into every area of your life?
Speaker A:What would it look like to invite Jesus into that problem right now?
Speaker A:Now let us pray.
Speaker A:Lord Jesus, I invite you into the dead places.
Speaker A:I believe you are still the resurrection and the life.
Speaker A:Even now you can restore what I thought was lost.
Speaker A:Even now you can bring healing, breakthrough and new life.
Speaker A:I release every lie, personal, permanent, pervasive.
Speaker A:And I trust in your power.
Speaker A:In your name I rise again.
Speaker A:Amen.
