Lord ⚜️

When Jesus requested the removal of the stone, Martha raised a concern and said, “Lord, please forgive me for bringing this up, but there may be a slight issue. It’s been four days since the passing of my brother, and there could be a slight odour at this point.”

AMEN 🙏

Martha, who was a friend of Jesus, was distraught. Her brother had recently passed away and was lying in a tomb. Unfortunately, he did not survive long enough to receive help from the Savior. Jesus did not arrive at the time Martha was expecting, and instead, he commanded for the stone to be rolled away from the tomb. Martha had certain expectations from the person whom she called ‘Teacher.’ She thought the time for expecting a miracle had ended, and she complained about it. Even if there was a stench, it was not necessary. The situation was orchestrated by God to display his resurrection power in his Son, according to his timing. He did not need to consult Martha or any other creature.

Believer, now that “Are you ready to experience the transformative power of Christ’s saving grace? Let me tell you, friend, it’s a life-changing experience that you won’t want to miss out on. Get ready to be saved by the one and only Jesus Christ!” do you doubt His power to save you? Do you think it’s too late for those still in their sins? Let’s not fall into the trap of unbelief like Martha did. Instead, let’s have faith and wait patiently for Jesus. We shouldn’t complain to God about our situation because He already knows. Let’s focus on the unseen and not think like those driven by their fleshly desires.

The spiritual well-being of our loved ones is of utmost importance. It is only through God’s mercy and the renewal of the Holy Spirit that sinners can be made alive in Christ. As believers, we are called to call upon Jesus and trust in His timing for the salvation of those around us. Even when it seems like all hope is lost, we can be assured that the sickness of sin is not unto eternal death but for the glory of God. Let us, therefore, pray for the salvation of our dear ones, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His desire to display His saving power for His glory.

It was not fitting for the stone to remain where the dead no longer lay. In holy anticipation, let us not be disobedient to the call of God to take away the stone. Whatever opportunity is afforded, let us readily obey Jesus’ command as we seek the salvation of souls by the effectual call of God. The stench of a dying culture may dissuade the religious hypocrite, but indeed, it fuels the flame of compassion in the sincere believer. Upon remembering your past stench, would you not be more determined to remove any obstruction by God’s power that works in you? Are you resolved to live as Christ lived and share His gospel? And then a general call through speaking God’s word may prove to be an effectual call. Do you not expect God to call the dead to life? Has He not done the same for you? Is it strange to think God makes a soul alive, calling them out of the tomb, with the purpose of that same enlivened soul taking away the stone for another soul whom God will also make alive? Martha’s moment of unbelief is no excuse for mine, so God help me.

A beautiful and inspiring Psalm. I will not lie awake at night, watching with fear as time passes. I will peacefully lie down, calm, quiet, and sleep. I will have no thought of fear in the night because I know that the Lord is with me and will keep me safe. There could be bars on my windows and armed guards at my door, but nothing keeps me truly safe than the knowledge that the Lord is with me all of my days.

I will eventually lay down to sleep and join God in heaven. Shall I fear this day? No, for God dwells with me in safety. I am to sleep with this verse in mind before bed, knowing full well that God is with me. Protected and acceptable in the sight of the Lord, through whom all things are justified.

We sleep every day. Nearly one-third of our life is spent with our eyes closed in slumber, but how many of us are genuinely peaceful during these times? Many of us toss and turn or have difficulties going to bed each evening. Take this Psalms to heart as you prepare yourself for bed. David was comforted in knowing that his body and his soul were protected. Take these Psalms to heart as David did, rest peacefully, and be mindful of the Lord while you are asleep.