THEME: LET THERE BE LIGHT VI.
MEMORISE:
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Acts 9:40
READ: John 11:41-44.
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
MESSAGE:
Let there be light could mean “Let darkness, which also represents death, disappear”. Jesus the Light and the Life drives away darkness from anyone who identifies with Him, as found in our Bible reading today where we see the Light of God in action- driving away the darkness of death in the life of Lazarus who had been dead for four days. When death looms, darkness prevails; the only solution is to invite light to disperse darkness. Therefore, if anyone is being plagued with the fear of death, such a fellow should invite the light.
“ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:” John 11:25
The above Scripture confirms Matthew 4:16, which says, “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Death is the most devastating symbol of darkness. The Psalmist was right in describing it as “the valley of the shadow of death”. The good news he announces is that the Lord is his Shepherd; therefore, he fears no evil. We must take a cue after the Psalmist if we want to overcome the darkness of death. Jesus Christ- the Light is the answer.
When the darkness of death came visiting the household of Lazarus, the Light was invited. Even when it seemed the light was delayed, resulting in the death of Lazarus, the Light overtook death in spite of its running away with the life of Lazarus for four days.
One of my sons-in-the-Lord was running helter-skelter on being told that his days were up and that he should be prepared to die. He however, came to the Light and up till now, he is bouncing with life- darkness was driven away when we reported its activities to the Light.
Are you experiencing any form of darkness or death in any area of your life? Come to Jesus Christ the Light, surrender all to Him and the darkness would leave you alone.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please deliver me and my household from the jaws of death, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EXODUS 15-17.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMNAL: CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE.
1 Conquerors and overcomers now are we,
Thro’ the precious blood of Christ we've victory,
If the Lord be for us, we can never fail;
Nothing 'gainst his mighty pow'r can e'er prevail.
Refrain:
Conquerors are we, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood;
God will give us victory, thro’ the blood, thro’ the blood,
Thro’ the Lamb for sinners slain,
Yet who lives and reigns again,
More than conquerors are we,
More than conquerors are we.
2 In the name of Israel's God we'll onward press,
Overcoming sin and all unrighteousness;
Not to us, but unto him the praise shall be,
For salvation and for blood-bought victory.
3 Unto him that overcometh shall be giv’n
Here to eat of hidden manna sent from heav'n;
Over yonder he the victor's palm shall bear,
And a robe of white, and golden crown shall wear.
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