“THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE IM HIM!”

 

John 12:36-43                    (ESV)

“[36] While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” 

The Unbelief of the People

 When JESUS had said these things, HE departed and hid himself from them. [37] Though HE had done so many signs before them, “THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM”, [38] so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 

    “LORD, who has believed what he heard from us,

        and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”

    [39] Therefore THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE. For again Isaiah said,

    [40] “HE has “blinded their eyes”

        and “hardened their heart”,

    lest they see with their eyes,

        and understand with their heart, and turn,

        and I would heal them.”

    [41] Isaiah said these things because he saw HIS GLORY and spoke of HIM. [42] Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in HIM, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; [43] for THEY LOVED THE GLORY THAT COMES FROM MAN MORE THAN THE GLORY THAT COMES FROM GOD!”

It is more than just a few times that I have capitalized the word CHOSEN in my writings.  When ALMIGHTY GOD selects mortals to perform a duty HE has selected them for, it isn’t because they are more HOLY or they select a path where they “know” the rewards will be there in the end!  Their CHOICE is because GOD has instilled in them a desire to serve HIM, to be USED by the ONE WHO is above ALL NAMES (Acts 4:12) and HE IS WORTHY!!

As one is able to see, John 12:36 is divided in this text by the subtitle “The Unbelief of the People”, generally displaying what the next paragraph will be about. Isaiah, the author of verse forty (40) above, was born in the eighth century before JESUS, and reportedly died in the seventh century before THE CHRIST.  There is no earthly explanation for him KNOWING that humans would REJECT THE MESSIAH once HE was present among mankind.  Yet he wrote, “HE has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them”!  The people he was writing about COULD NOT SEE TRUTH, even though JESUS was in their midst and WOULD REJECT their CREATOR and crucify HIM on a Roman Cross!  

When pondering what I might have done had I been present during this period of time, I used to proclaim that I would have been crucified with JESUS!  However, no matter how much I love HIM now, I would have been one who was known as “THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM”, because JESUS HAD TO OPEN THE EYES OF THE UNBELIEVERS!  

It is no different today!  JESUS has to OPEN EYES of we that serve HIM or we will not be able to SEE what we are doing!  “THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM” is what mankind does, UNLESS we are CHOSEN to serve HIM!  We are not “better” than unbelievers, but we have been CHOSEN to live for JESUS, allowing HIS GLORY to shine in our lives so a lost and dying world can SEE HIM!  We must NEVER FORGET that “THEY STILL DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIM” could and should be us, but we are CHOSEN to live for HIM!!!

“I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE!”

 John 4:23-26                              (ESV)

“[23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in spirit and truth, for the FATHER is seeking such people to worship HIM. [24] GOD is spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in spirit and truth.” [25] The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (HE WHO is called CHRIST). When HE comes, HE will tell us all things.” [26] JESUS said to her, “”I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”.””

When I finish writing my Bible Study for the day, my normal task includes prayer time where I lay on an “orthotic” for 20 minutes and 22 seconds…..THIS YEAR!  Next year it will be 20 minutes 23 seconds!  Yesterday during the 20 minutes 22 seconds my mind was ruminating the verses I had just finished writing about, when I decided to see what a Bible Commentary says regarding John 4:26, especially the portion that says “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE!”  It doesn’t take much, but my mind was caused to PAUSE over the findings!

While meditating on “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE” I was left why the letter “S” wasn’t behind the word SPEAK?  Is that simply a misprint that was omitted from the text?  I looked at the commentary again and it had “see ( Isaiah 52:6 )”!  Isaiah 52:6 says “Therefore my people shall know MY name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I WHO “speak”; here I AM.”  THE word “speak” again has no “S” at the end of the word.  The verse is spoken by “the LORD” (Isaiah 52:3) so it is CLEAR to this servant that when “the LORD” comes to a human, HIS method of communication is to SPEAK HIS WORD because HIS WORD is ALL inclusive and needs no eloquent commentary to get HIS MESSAGE across!  

ALMIGHTY GOD is “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”!  Whether it is through JESUS the CHRIST, the HOLY SPIRIT, or THE ALMIGHTY could be directly speaking, we must understand that GOD CREATED not only the UNIVERSES, HE also CREATED we who HE gives breath (Isaiah 42:5) to the people!  When we need to accentuate a point, it must have the precise wording to get the desired point across.  When GOD ALMIGHTY, JESUS the CHRIST, or the HOLY SPIRIT needs to accentuate HIS WORD, HE is only required to SPEAK!!! 

There is no easy explanation for a single letter (“S”) not being used multiple times in Scripture other than it being GOD speaking!  “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE” does not require superfluity to be understood.  When “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE” we would be wise enough to “listen and obey”, for HE IS THE GREAT I AM!!!

“I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE!”

 John 4:23-26                              (ESV)

“[23] But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the FATHER in spirit and truth, for the FATHER is seeking such people to worship HIM. [24] GOD is spirit, and those who worship HIM must worship in spirit and truth.” [25] The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (HE WHO is called CHRIST). When HE comes, HE will tell us all things.” [26] JESUS said to her, “”I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”.””

Isn’t it amazing how at times we find ourselves in a situation that we never expected to be in, yet we can’t even imagine that we are actually there?  In John 4 JESUS was near a town called Sychar, at Jacob’s Well, around noontime.  There came a woman to the well to draw water for her household.  She met JESUS WHO was alone at the well, and HE amazingly seemed prepared JUST when she needed HIM to be there, as though the entire meeting was “planned”!

The “story” of her encounter with THE MESSIAH is not folklore nor a myth, it is as REAL as it can be, because JESUS made sure of it!  She tried to apply “reason and logic” to all of questions of JESUS, but she was unable to SEE the answers.  The woman at the well was in the presence of the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, yet her EYES were not SEEING HIM!  Although her EYES about to SEE something that would CHANGE her life, she could not fathom what was about to take place in her life!

After JESUS told her of her past IN DETAIL, the woman’s EYES became able to SEE precisely WHO JESUS was.  Before then, she apparently was a bit skeptical of HIS answers and HIS “proposed” solution to her problems.  The answer for her, and for any of us looking for THE ANSWER, is “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”.  JESUS was at the well by HIMSELF, but HE was there for a PURPOSE, and she found out what the purpose was!

We are no different!  We try to create this “perception” that we are “not that bad”, when in reality we are as broken as one can be without JESUS!  When “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE”, the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES, arranges for the perfect timing at the perfect place to come about, it isn’t CHANCE or CIRCUMSTANCE!  JESUS has a PLAN and we need to realize and understand that we ARE that important to HIM that HE finds time to be alone with us to draw us to HIM.  “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE” found me one Sunday evening when I was a teenager and CHANGED my life forever!  Only “I WHO SPEAK TO YOU AM HE” is able to do that!!!

“THE SPIRIT!”

 Mark 1:9-13                         (ESV)

“[9] In those days JESUS came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] And when HE came up out of the water, immediately HE saw the heavens being torn open and “THE SPIRIT” descending on HIM like a dove. [11] And a VOICE came from heaven, “YOU are MY beloved SON; with YOU I am well pleased.” [12] “THE SPIRIT” immediately drove HIM out into the wilderness. [13] And HE was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And HE was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to HIM.”

Being a part of social media exposes our lives to scrutiny and perceptions that can be mistaken from what is actually happening.  A friend was recently inquiring about a purchase of a item he supposedly needed in his life.  Whether he actually “needs” the item or not isn’t the point of this discussion, it is whether or not Believers yield to earthly ideas rather than simply doing what “THE SPIRIT” leads them to do?  

There are times when we are inclined to seek direction or assistance from earthly beings instead of ENTRUSTING our lives to guidance and leadership of “THE SPIRIT”?   JESUS HIMSELF, GOD in the flesh, allowed “THE SPIRIT” to “drive” HIM into “the wilderness”, a place of desolation, and was dependent upon the SAME for HIS sustenance and well-being!  Not that HE needed anything else, but JESUS exhibiting FAITH in the everyday tasks of life SHOULD give us an indication of what we need to be doing in our lives!

Perhaps we would YIELD to “THE SPIRIT” more readily if we could SEE that HE IS THERE, ready to provide guidance for our WAY?  In John 4:24 JESUS said “GOD IS SPIRIT”, so why don’t we YIELD to “THE SPIRIT” more in our lives?  “YOU are MY beloved SON; with YOU I am well pleased” might CHANGE our lives IF we allowed “THE SPIRIT” to guide and direct our lives?  

This humble servant HEARS HIS MESSAGE and  it is my desire to YIELD to “THE SPIRIT” in my life!  Perhaps I will hear from Heaven that GOD is pleased with me???

“WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM!”

Romans 7:13-25                                  (ESV)

“[13] Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! IT WAS SIN, producing death in me through what is good, in order that SIN MIGHT BE SHOWN TO BE SIN, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. [14] For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. [15] FOR I DO NOT UNDERSTAND MY OWN ACTIONS. FOR I DO NOT WHAT I WANT, BUT I DO THE VERY THING I HATE. [16] Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. [17] So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. [18] For I know THAT NOTHING GOOD DWELLS IN ME, that is, IN MY FLESH. For I have the desire to do what is RIGHT, BUT NOT THE ABILITY TO CARRY IT OUT. [19] For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. [20] Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but SIN THAT DWELLS WITHIN ME.

[21] So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. [22] For I delight in the law of GOD, in my inner being, [23] but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. [24] “WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM!” WHO will deliver me from this body of death? [25] Thanks be to GOD through JESUS CHRIST our LORD! So then, I myself serve the law of GOD with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

The Apostle Paul wasn’t a ignorant man.  He was “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.” (Philippians 3:5-6).  Paul had more to say about himself though!  In the next verse (Philippians 3:7) he writes “But whatever gain I had, I COUNTED AS LOSS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST!”

Paul understood that humans are a complex Creations, CREATED by GOD IN HEAVEN.  Although he was a DIVINE CREATION, his body (earthly vessel) was constantly being attacked by “the enemy”, satan himself!  The “master of deception” hasn’t weakened nor changed, he is just as deceitful as he ever was.  Speaking just for me, unless I “stay in THE WORD” my VISION will become “flawed” by the cares of “this world” and that is precisely what I want to avoid!

The Apostle Paul understood that he was simply a “tool” (or mirror) where the GLORY OF GOD has the opportunity to reflect.  In Acts 9:15-16 JESUS HIMSELF said “…“Go, for he (Paul) is a chosen instrument of MINE to carry MY name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much “he must suffer for the sake of my name”.”  

GOD must have CREATED me to be a vessel where HE could display “THAT NOTHING GOOD DWELLS IN ME, that is, IN MY FLESH.”  My intentions are noble, but the results are FAR from what they should be!  “WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM” that the blood of the SPOTLESS LAMB OF GOD was paid for my sins?  The ONE WHO spoke these worlds into existence left HIS THRONE to suffer in “this world” so HE could purchase the “WRETCHED MAN THAT I AM!!!”

“BELIEVED!”

 Genesis 15:6                         (ESV)

“[6] And he (Abraham) “BELIEVED” the LORD, and HE (THE LORD) counted it to him (Abraham) as righteousness.”

Knowing what our BELIEFS are is something that can be fluid, as the maturation process can change how we perceive things.  Abraham KNEW in his heart that he had spoken to YAHWEH (Genesis 12) and he wasn’t “shaken” in that BELIEF!  

Abraham was approximately 100 years old before Isaac was born through Sarah, the one GOD said that would bear HIS PROMISE (Genesis 17:15-16)!  GOD is certainly capable of delivering a child to whomever HE sees fit.  So why did Abraham and Sarah have to WAIT to SEE the Blessing from GOD named Isaac?  For many years Abraham and Sarah waited for GOD to bless their union, but GOD had HIS OWN timeframe and wasn’t swayed by the “wondering” of HIS CHOSEN!

GOD CREATED “the heavens and the earth” without any assistance from ANY person or being!  HE certainly isn’t “required” to seek our assistance or approval for anything HE is doing, especially to GLORIFY HIS NAME!  Being remembered as one who “BELIEVED” THE CREATOR should be our desire?  But because we “BELIEVED”, HE will count it to us as RIGHTEOUSNESS!  Not because we are anything special, other than we “BELIEVED”!!!

“THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH!”

 Romans 1:16-17                     (ESV)

The Righteous Shall Live by FAITH

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of GOD for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of GOD is revealed from FAITH for FAITH, as it is written, “THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Using commentaries is quite necessary when you are WHOLE, but when you are “Brain Damaged” it should be mandated!  Realizing that GOD HEALED me FAR MORE than I deserve is something that I have to remind myself of often.  Recalling what my doctor wrote in my medical records the month following my release from the Rehabilitation Hospital brings me back to the reality of my condition, “However, he has had an remarkable recovery that can only be defined as a Miracle from GOD”!  

With these words at the forefront of my memory, I was required to seek assistance with Romans 1:17, “For in it the righteousness of GOD is revealed from FAITH for FAITH, as it is written, “THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”  A commentary tells us that the portion of the verse stating “from FAITH for FAITH” allows my limited understanding to SEE the following :

“It is by faith that man first lays hold on the gospel, and its latest product is a heightened and intensified faith. Apart from faith, THE GOSPEL REMAINS NULL AND VOID FOR THE INDIVIDUAL. IT IS NOT REALISED. But when it has been once realised and taken home to the man’s self, its tendency is to confirm and strengthen that very faculty by which it was apprehended. It does that for which the disciples prayed when they said, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5).”

My mind quickly goes to the Scripture in two places, Matthew 9:30 where it is recorded “And THEIR EYES WERE OPENED. And JESUS sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.”” and Luke 24:31 when “And THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, and they recognized HIM (JESUS). And HE vanished from their sight.”  It is REMARKABLE that in these two cases, the people whom GOD granted to SEE (more than physically see) what ONLY they were able to SEE was CHOSEN PEOPLE, people who were CHOSEN for HIS GLORY!  In these cases, a REWARD for FAITH was being able to SEE GOD’S DIVINE GLORY!

In another place in Scripture it is recorded “Then THE EYES OF BOTH WERE OPENED, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.” (Genesis 3:7).  The BOTH in Genesis 3:7 was referring to Adam and Eve.  According to Scripture, they were the first of GOD’s CREATION, the only people who had the opportunity to SEE what previously was hidden from them.  They made a CHOICE to sin, and the sin cost them their innocence! In Adam and Eve’s case, they could SEE impending JUDGEMENT for the sin they had committed!  

Today, the CHOICE is STILL ours to make!  We can accept what our physical sight allows us to see, or GOD can show us what ONLY HE is able to show!  “THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” carries more with it than you think, and ONLY GOD can decide what that means!!!

“THEY WHO WAIT!”

 Isaiah 40:29-31                          (ESV)

    “[29] HE gives power to the faint,

        and to him who has no might HE increases strength. 

    [30] Even YOUTHS SHALL FAINT and be weary,

        and YOUNG MEN SHALL FALL EXHAUSTED; 

    [31] but “THEY WHO WAIT” for the LORD SHALL renew their strength;

        they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

    they shall run and not be weary;

        they shall walk and not faint.”

How many times are we presented with doing something that seems logical AND makes sense, but our SPIRIT LEADS US in a direction that literally makes NO SENSE to us at all???  GOD has an uncanny ability to place us in certain situations so that HE WILL BE GLORIFIED despite what we do in our finite, worldly minds!  THE ALMIGHTY isn’t limited to what we see, nor does HE react to injustice or unholy acts as mankind would.  HE is GOD and HE is HOLY AND WE ARE NOT!!!

Two things in the Scriptures above that will NOT leave me alone!  YOUTHS SHALL FAINT and be weary and YOUNG MEN SHALL FALL EXHAUSTED are both stating FACTS, that we, in our perceived strength and might, fail to SEE!  Although mankind was CREATED in HIS IMAGE, we are not DIVINE, therefore we are fallible and incomplete without HIM.  Performing ACTS that ARE DIVINE require us to   become “THEY WHO WAIT” for the LORD!

When ALMIGHTY GOD was LEADING the Children of Israel out of bondage, HE had them WAIT on the banks of the Red Sea for the Egyptians to catch up with them.  In the limited view of mankind, the Israelites might have scurried away from “danger” and avoided the perceived “barrier” known as the Red Sea.  But GOD’S DIVINE PLAN was to be fulfilled, and the Israelites had to WAIT for ten days or longer for GOD TO BE GLORIFIED!!!

Becoming “THEY WHO WAIT” may be directly opposite to what common sense dictates.  But doing what GOD is leading us to do requires “walking by faith” (Galatians 2) and NOT relying on “what makes sense”!  YOUTHS SHALL FAINT and be weary and YOUNG MEN SHALL FALL EXHAUSTED can be counted on when we attempt to do things “on our own”.  “THEY WHO WAIT” can prepare for GOD to deliver them when calamity is near!  HE IS THE ALMIGHTY and HE tells us that “THEY WHO WAIT” SHALL renew their strength!!!

“CHOOSE!”

Joshua 24:14-15                               (ESV)

“CHOOSE” Whom You Will Serve

“[14] “Now therefore FEAR THE LORD and serve HIM in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. [15] And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, “CHOOSE” this day WHOM you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.””

Joshua was CHOSEN by ALMIGHTY GOD to lead the Children of Israel after Moses died (Joshua 1:1).  Exodus 6:13 puts the number of men on the exodus journey at “…600,000 men on foot, BESIDES women and children”!  Speculation puts the total number of people leaving Egypt at three million!  No matter, DIVINE INTERVENTION was REQUIRED in order for the Children of Israel to leave Egypt, live for 40 years in the wilderness, and find themselves preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land!

Joshua was telling the Israelites that they SHOULD trust the DELIVERER that had brought them thus far.  ONLY GOD could have performed the MIRACULOUS feats that took place over the 40+ years since they left Egypt, but that seemed to be fading from their minds?  Once again, ALMIGHTY GOD was taking Israel through something ONLY HE was able to do.  The Children of Israel were told by Joshua to “CHOOSE” this day WHOM you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell”.  

Apparently “choices” do have consequences, even today?  There are many “choices” to be made by each of us, no matter the situations we find ourselves in.  We can either “CHOOSE” to live a life with few challenges and not GROW STRONGER in the LORD, or we can “fight the good fight of the FAITH” (1 Timothy 6:12), even expecting GOD to “deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13)!  

What will we do when faced with taking “the easy” way out or struggling through a “wilderness” in order to bring GOD GLORY?  The climate of “this world” seems to judge us by how much money we have or “easy” our journey is?  GOD might not be GLORIFIED by our huge bank accounts, or by our seemingly successful lives, when our FAITH IN HIM isn’t displayed to others.  Are we willing to “CHOOSE” living for HIM over the security and prosperity of “this world”?  Making sure that we exhibit HIS LOVE AND MERCY should be at the top of our witness.  “CHOOSE” JESUS over what is seen as “ease” and “simplicity”!!!

“THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU!”

 Romans 8:9-11                      (ESV)

“[9] You, however, are NOT IN THE FLESH but in the SPIRIT, if in fact “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”. Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT OF CHRIST does not belong to HIM. [10] But if CHRIST is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the SPIRIT is life because of righteousness. [11] If the SPIRIT OF HIM WHO raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE WHO raised CHRIST JESUS from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT WHO dwells in you.”

Recently hearing someone else be told “You are not special” reminded me of “the Brain Hemorrhage” in 2007 and how miraculous and eye-opening the experience was for me.  How many people living today are able to say they have survived a “massive brain hemorrhage” with very few deficits?  But then I cannot help but wonder if I would have survived had “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU” not have been the case???  

Am I “special” because “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”?  Probably a better word to use is BLESSED, for outside of HIM, I AM NOTHING!  There are times when “thoughts” enter my mind and Scripture tells me that they are NOT OF GOD!  Why does ALMIGHTY GOD CHOOSE to LOVE me when I am so weak and easily swayed by evil?  

Earlier in the letter to the Roman church the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 7:15 “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”  And then in Romans 7:20 “Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but SIN THAT DWELLS WITHIN ME.”  A very few verses later Paul writes in “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”.  Now how does Paul explain SIN DWELLS WITHIN ME and then in the next chapter say “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”???

Romans 8:9 says it better than this humble servant ever could, “You, however, are NOT IN THE FLESH but in the SPIRIT, if in fact “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”. Anyone who does not have the SPIRIT OF CHRIST does not belong to HIM.”  The SPIRIT OF GOD displaced the spirit of the devil upon salvation, but the enemy will continue to gain back his old dwelling until GOD calls us to Heaven!  

Indeed, GOD did deliver me from the “valley of the shadow of death” in 2007.  But HE wasn’t ready for me to enter HIS ETERNAL ABODE!  GOD left me on earth FOR A PURPOSE, and I Believe it is to let as many people as possible know that “THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU”!!!

“YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD!”

 John 11:38-44                        (ESV)

JESUS Raises Lazarus

[38] Then JESUS, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. [39] JESUS said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to HIM, “LORD, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” [40] JESUS said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed “YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD”?” [41] So they took away the stone. And JESUS lifted up HIS eyes and said, “FATHER, I thank YOU that YOU have heard ME. [42] I KNEW THAT YOU ALWAYS HEAR ME, BUT I SAID THIS ON ACCOUNT OF THE PEOPLE standing around, that they may believe that YOU sent ME.” [43] When HE had said these things, HE cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” [44] The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. JESUS said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.””

In July and August 2007, while in a coma and directly thereafter, GOD displayed to me that HE can operate through me with NO ASSISTANCE from me WHATSOEVER!!!  Let that sink in a minute or so.  Much like Lazarus being already “in the grave”, I was unable to assist in my existence. Consider how many bodily functions are transpiring simply for us to exist!  From processing oxygen, transforming food into energy, extracting waste from the food intake?  And what about sleep and it’s restorative attributes?  Having the KNOWLEDGE to not attempt certain actions that have brought previous hardships in our lives?  We can SEE to avoid certain things because the results have PROVEN to be less than desirable, maybe even catastrophic, in the past.  

Being able to totally and completely SEE the results of our actions is an invaluable resource that we fail to RECOGNIZE at times.  This is not a characteristic that we humans should take credit for.  Having been on the “journey” that was assigned to me, RECOGNIZING potential dangers has a different meaning for me. “YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD” isn’t produced by man’s efforts is NOT something that we “learn from experience”, RATHER it is because OUR EYES are OPENED to SEE by our CREATOR and HE Is the ONE WHO deserves credit for what we learn from previous experiences.  

Seventeen days in a coma did not leave me ready to do much. I couldn’t even walk for about 10 days after I got to Rehab. It took me nine days short of two years before GOD helped me buy the insurance agency back that I had sold in 2006, one year prior to the Brain Hemorrhage. It would be wonderful if I could SEE PRECISELY what GOD was going to teach me regarding the Hemorrhage, but I learn more everyday, things that I had NO IDEA about previously!  It is AMAZING how GOD uses our past to shape our future (Genesis 3:12) where GOD tells Moses “…But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: WHEN YOU HAVE BROUGHT THE PEOPLE OUT TO EGYPT, YOU SHALL SERVE GOD ON THIS MOUNTAIN.”  Would the journey be easy, with very little resistance?  “The enemy” fought every step of the way, but GOD IS NO MATCH for “the enemy”, which HE keeps proving daily in our lives!  

Lazarus was dead in the grave for four days when JESUS intervened.  JESUS says in John 8:44 “Unbind him, and let him go.”   The earthly body of Lazarus was not “healed” for eternity as he eventually graduated (died physically) and went to Heaven.  We want to SEE GOD “move” while we are in “this world”, but do we recognize HIM for HIS work and miracles?  Everyday GOD grants me to walk among men in “this world” is an opportunity to say “YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD”, for I RECOGNIZE the MIRACLE HE performed to extend my journey!  I am NOT ASHAMED to tell everyone that “YOU WOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD”, even with my very last breath!!!

“ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE!”

 Psalm 27:4                            (ESV)

    “[4] One thing have I asked of the LORD,

        that will I seek after:

    that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

        “ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE”,

    to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

        and to inquire in HIS temple.”

Recently I shared Proverbs 17:28 (ESV) which says “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”  For the most part, Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a child of King David.  The focal verse that GOD is speaking to me today is written by King David, and it was probably during a “quiet time” when he would do his reflections from THE ALMIGHTY.  A “quiet time” can be missed because we misunderstand what it is exactly that GOD is wanting us to accomplish?  HE is able to achieve HIS Purpose WITH or WITHOUT us, and we are NOT required to be expecting to hear from HIM!  Being CHOSEN by ALMIGHTY GOD is a privilege unlike any other.  

We can become so successful in life, business, and “this world” in general, that we might THINK “we don’t have time” to listen to and for ALMIGHTY GOD.  When I really think it through, what can be more important than HEARING from the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSES?  King David apparently UNDERSTOOD that and he MADE TIME to hear from GOD, AND wrote down what he heard a lot of times!  Because of the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007, I am required to write things down that I previously would “try to remember”.  When I write things down (typing), it causes me to SLOW DOWN and get the RIGHT words that will Glorify GOD…..most of the time!

My mornings are typically spent BY MYSELF, secluded from the interruptions of “this world”.  There are times though when I am too “busy” (in my mind) to listen to and for ALMIGHTY GOD.  What do I perceive is so important that I choose hearing from rather than hearing from MY CREATOR?  Anxiety, stress, and discontent are tools that “the enemy” uses to cloud our judgment and decision making abilities.  

Allotting time for THE LORD “should be” our most urgent task EVERY DAY!  Unbelievably though, we allow the cares of “this world” to dominate our thoughts and minds.  To say that I am not the smartest man is probably a GROSS understatement, but the SPIRIT OF GOD directs me to SLOW DOWN at times, leading me “beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2) where I can fellowship with HIM.  May I seek HIM “ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE” and avoid the demands of “this world”!!!

“A MEMORIAL FOREVER!”

 Joshua 4:5-7                          (ESV)

“[5] And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your GOD into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, [6] THAT THIS MAY BE A SIGN among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ [7] then you shall tell them THAT THE WATERS OF THE JORDAN WERE CUT OFF before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel “A MEMORIAL FOREVER”.”

Looking back at my life, there is NO DOUBT that ALMIGHTY GOD is in control!  Sure, the events of the summer 2007 is where my thoughts go to first while looking for a sign of HIS providence. When our EYES are OPENED to SEE how GOD is in complete and total control over life, and that HE CHOSE to grant me the opportunity to remain here FOR A LITTLE WHILE, it is humbling and amazing that I am part of HIS PLAN for those HE directs me to touch in my life!  

My testimony is A LOT different from most.  From my parents being divorced when I was four years old to marrying a beautiful woman who has put up with me “for the rest of our lives”!  There is NOTHING that I have done to deserve this, but HIS Blessings are bountiful and HIS GRACE is sufficient.  I thank GOD for HIS PLAN being fulfilled in my life, as stubborn and rebellious as I have been.  

The Children of Israel were crossing the Jordan River, about to enter the Promised Land.  Joshua instructed them to place a stone in the river, “according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel”, that they SHOULD remember THAT THE WATERS OF THE JORDAN WERE CUT OFF for them by THE ALMIGHTY, not by chance or circumstance!!!  “These stones shall be to the people of Israel “A MEMORIAL FOREVER”, not that they succeeded in their journey from Egypt, but ALMIGHTY GOD delivered them where HE said HE would!!!

It can be monotonous to keep hearing about my deliverance from the Brain Hemorrhage, but GOD told Joshua to place STONES in the Jordan River so that they would be able to tell their offspring about their deliverance, PROVIDED BY ALMIGHTY GOD!  They didn’t cause the Jordan River to back up, but GOD made the passage possible!! Because of Scripture, we have an account of this.  I will FOREVER remember “the valley of the shadow of death” that HE delivered me from in 2007.  Sharing my deliverance will be “A MEMORIAL FOREVER”, as I PRAISE HIM for it!!!

“OPEN THEIR EYES!”

Acts 26:12-18                     (ESV)

Paul Tells King Agrippa of His Conversion

“[12] “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. [13] At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. [14] And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ [15] And I said, ‘Who are YOU, LORD?’ And the LORD said, ‘I AM JESUS whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen ME and to those in which I will appear to you, [17] delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you [18] TO “OPEN THEIR EYES”, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in ME.’”

Saul was headed to “Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests” to persecute Believers of THE WAY!  He had “authority” from earthly leaders, but DIVINE intervention caused Saul and his entourage to ALL fall to the ground in FEAR!  Saul was blinded by the event and he proceeded to Damascus blinded by a LIGHT!  Ultimately Saul yielded to following JESUS and leading others to do the same.  

Although Saul (later known as Paul) was used to convince more than a few people that JESUS was the SON OF GOD and SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, he was unsuccessful more often than is known for most were simply not CHOSEN by GOD.  Unless the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD is led to “OPEN THEIR EYES” and change their hearts, a TRANSFORMATION is not going to take place!  Even JESUS HIMSELF didn’t have a tremendous following. Ultimately HE was crucified by HIS OWN creation.  

But JESUS told Saul in Acts 26:16 “…But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, TO APPOINT YOU AS A SERVANT…”!  Paul wasn’t CHOSEN to sleep in five star hotels and eat at the best restaurants.  As a matter of fact, JESUS told Ananias in Acts 9:16 “For I will show him how much he must “suffer” for the sake of MY NAME.”  Never was the Promise that Paul would live a life of ease with a tremendous retirement!  Paul was martyred in Rome sometime around 65 AD, reportedly via beheading!  His journey would not be one most would desire to mimic!

JESUS instructed Paul to “OPEN THEIR EYES”, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to GOD”.  Paul didn’t have the capability to “OPEN THEIR EYES” on his own.  DIVINE INTERVENTION was used to identify the CHOSEN.  Nowadays we have the same calling and limitations.  Just as Saul and his entourage was caused to the ground AND LISTEN, we need to have GOD intervene to be able to “OPEN THEIR EYES” where they can SEE!!!

“FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM!”

 Exodus 14:10-14                       (ESV)

“[10] When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and THEY FEARED GREATLY. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. [11] They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” [13] And Moses said to the people, “”FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM”, and see the salvation of the LORD, which HE WILL WORK FOR YOU TODAY. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. [14] “THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, and YOU HAVE ONLY TO BE SILENT.””

RECOGNIZE:: to accept or be aware that (something) IS TRUE or exists

Could it be that when we can’t SEE a way out of a situation that we find ourselves in, we are simply not looking in the proper place for it?  RECOGNIZING the HOLY SPIRIT when HE is leading you can alleviate FEAR from your response and allow you to STAND FIRM!  Rejecting, or just failing to SEE HIM will result in GREAT FEAR, causing life to be lived in defeatism.  For this unworthy vessel, RECOGNIZING that I have been delivered from “the evil one” FOR A PURPOSE is very humbling.  The CREATOR has a PLAN, not just for my life, but for HIS PURPOSE being fulfilled entirely!  

Moses had an encounter with THE ALMIGHTY on “Horeb, the mountain of YHWH” (Genesis 3:1)!  He KNEW YHWH, for THE ALMIGHTY had instructed Moses to get HIS Children delivered from the Pharaoh of Egypt, the most powerful man on earth at the present (Genesis 3:10).  On the other hand, the Children of Israel did not have the same familiarities in hearing from YHWH as Moses, possibly because they weren’t STILL enough to HEAR from THE CREATOR?  They could not RECOGNIZE GOD, because they weren’t looking, NOR EXPECTING HIM, to work on their behalf! 

Perhaps we might experience more frequent, abundant and DIVINE experiences in our lives IF we RECOGNIZED that ALMIGHTY GOD is over EVERYTHING that happens in “this world”(Isaiah 45:22-25)!  GOD provides every “breath” we breathe (Isaiah 42:5)!  Although we have to, BY GRACE, SEE that it ALL comes from HIM, we typically are moving TOO FAST to RECOGNIZE that HE controls everything, AND WE DON’T!!!  We simply need to “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” and let YHWH be GOD in our lives!!!

Typically, when we don’t RECOGNIZE the way forward in the situation we find ourselves in, we need to “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” and RECOGNIZE that YHWH is directing this show!  Like the Children of Israel in Exodus 14, the path forward might seem to be IMPOSSIBLE for man.  But just as it was when the Israelites were at the Red Sea, and just like when I was in the coma in 2007, I might need to “FEAR NOT, STAND FIRM” and let GOD perform HIS PLAN and let HIM get the GLORY!!!

“YOU SHALL GLORIFY ME!”

 Psalm 50:7-15                              (ESV)

    [7] “Hear, O MY people, and I will speak;

        O Israel, I will testify against you.

        I AM GOD, your GOD. 

    [8] Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;

        your burnt offerings are continually before me. 

    [9] I will not accept a bull from your house

        or goats from your folds. 

    [10] For every beast of the forest is mine,

        the cattle on a thousand hills. 

    [11] I know all the birds of the hills,

        and all that moves in the field is mine.

    [12] “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,

        for the world and its fullness are mine. 

    [13] Do I eat the flesh of bulls

        or drink the blood of goats? 

    [14] Offer to GOD a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

        and perform your vows to the MOST HIGH, 

    [15] and call upon me in the day of trouble;

        I will deliver you AND “YOU SHALL GLORIFY ME”.”

When I had the Brain Hemorrhage in 2007, it wasn’t as if I had ANYTHING to do with getting to “the other side” with no physical disabilities.  My doctor even wrote in my medical records about one month following my release from the Rehabilitation Hospital, “The fact that he has recovered the way he has is nothing short of a miracle from GOD"!  

I have seemingly always been one to offer “my help”, even though ALMIGHTY GOD doesn’t require (and sometimes desire) any human assistance.  Most humans seem to have the opinion that if GOD wants something done, HE “needs” us to do it for HIM!  My doctor has verbally expressed to me more than once that GOD was the reason that I survived and flourished following the Hemorrhage.  GOD, at times, allows us to BE USED by HIM so that we can GLORIFY HIM “on the other side”!  

If we are assigned a task to perform when GOD supernaturally, and without any assistance, does what ONLY HE is able to do, “YOU SHALL GLORIFY ME” is probably near the top!  Who assisted GOD when HE was CREATING the worlds?  Who raised JESUS from the dead after HIS sacrificial death for my sins on Calvary?  And although many have assisted me since, nobody other than GOD THE CREATOR brought me through “the valley of the shadow of death”!  

Even though my recovery was miraculous and beyond anything that mankind was able to take credit for, there is NOTHING that the very capable doctors were able to do that saved my life!  I will PRAISE HIM because HIS WORD says “YOU SHALL GLORIFY ME”!!!