The Lazarus Effect / Part 2
- fccreative
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Embracing Divine Delays: The Lazarus Effect
In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of Lazarus's resurrection as depicted in the Gospel of John. This event is not just a miraculous story but a pivotal moment that set the stage for the final acts of Jesus' earthly ministry, culminating in His own resurrection. The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that divine moments often come disguised as challenges, or "probabilities," as I like to call them. These are opportunities for God to reveal His glory and for us to grow in faith and understanding.
The Lazarus effect teaches us that delays in our lives are not denials from God. When Jesus waited two more days before going to Lazarus, it wasn't out of neglect but because He had a greater miracle in mind—a resurrection instead of a healing. This delay was an opportunity for those involved to deepen their trust in God and to understand His power more fully. Trust, as we discussed, is the love language of heaven, and it is through trust that we invite God's intervention in our lives.
Moreover, the story of Lazarus illustrates the protective power of living with purpose. When we are on assignment from God, there is a divine protection over our lives. Jesus, despite the threats against Him, was untouchable until His mission was complete. Similarly, when we live with purpose, we walk with authority and confidence, knowing that no weapon formed against us can prosper.
We also delved into the importance of living by what God says rather than what we see. The tension between God's promises and our current reality is a test of faith. The Word of God is powerful and can alter the circumstances of our lives if we choose to stand on it despite what we see.
Finally, we examined the cost of discipleship. Following Christ requires a willingness to pay a price, to step out of comfort and convenience, and to live for an audience of one—God. The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly oil exemplifies a life transformed by gratitude and love for Christ, willing to give extravagantly because of what He has done.
Key Takeaways
Divine Delays: God's delays are not denials but opportunities for greater miracles. They teach us to trust Him more deeply and to understand His power beyond our immediate desires. Trust is the medium through which God works in our lives.
Purpose and Protection: Living with purpose provides divine protection. When we are on assignment, we walk with authority, knowing that our lives are in God's hands until our mission is complete. This understanding gives us confidence and courage.
Faith Over Sight: The Lazarus effect teaches us to live by what God says rather than what we see. God's Word is powerful and can change our circumstances if we choose to stand on it despite our current reality.
Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ requires a willingness to pay a price. It involves stepping out of comfort and convenience and living for an audience of one—God. This commitment is not about earthly rewards but eternal significance.
Extravagant Worship: Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly oil demonstrates a life transformed by gratitude. True discipleship involves giving extravagantly to God, not out of obligation, but out of love and appreciation for what He has done.
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lazarus Effect
Bible Reading:
- John 11:38-44
- John 12:1-11
Observation Questions:
1. In John 11:38-44, what specific actions did Jesus take before Lazarus was resurrected, and how did the people around Him react?
2. How does the story of Mary anointing Jesus in John 12:1-11 illustrate the concept of extravagant worship? What was Judas's reaction, and what does it reveal about his character?
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus waiting two extra days before going to Lazarus, and how does this relate to the concept of divine delays?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between living with purpose and divine protection, as seen in Jesus' journey to Judea despite the threats against Him?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the resurrection of Lazarus serve as a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, and what does it reveal about the nature of divine intervention in our lives?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that trust is the "love language of heaven," and how does this concept challenge or affirm your understanding of faith?
3. How does the sermon interpret the tension between God's promises and our current reality, and what role does faith play in navigating this tension?
4. What does the sermon imply about the cost of discipleship, and how does Mary's act of anointing Jesus exemplify this cost?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine delay" in your life. How did it challenge your faith, and what did you learn about trusting God's timing? [13:56]
2. Consider your current life circumstances. Are there areas where you feel called to live with more purpose? How can you align your daily actions with this sense of divine assignment? [20:32]
3. Think about a situation where you are struggling to see beyond your current reality. How can you apply the principle of "faith over sight" to this situation, and what specific steps can you take to stand on God's promises?
4. Evaluate your current level of commitment to following Christ. Are there areas where you are hesitant to pay the cost of discipleship? What changes can you make to deepen your commitment?
5. Reflect on your worship practices. How can you incorporate more acts of extravagant worship into your life, similar to Mary's anointing of Jesus? What might this look like in practical terms?
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more deeply. What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a greater sense of trust in His plans for you?
7. Consider the people in your life who may be observing your faith journey. How can you let your light shine in a way that draws others to Christ, as Lazarus's resurrection did?
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Delays as Opportunities for Greater Miracles
In the story of Lazarus, Jesus' delay in coming to heal him was not a sign of neglect but a setup for a greater miracle. This delay allowed for a deeper revelation of God's power through the resurrection of Lazarus, rather than just a healing. It teaches us that God's timing is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our own expectations. Trusting in God's timing requires faith, as it often challenges our understanding and patience. When we encounter delays in our lives, they are not denials but opportunities for God to work in ways that exceed our expectations. Trust is the medium through which God works in our lives, and it is through trust that we invite His intervention.
John 11:14-15 (ESV): "Then Jesus told them plainly, 'Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel God is delaying. How can you shift your perspective to see this delay as an opportunity for a greater miracle?
Day 2: Purpose and Divine Protection
Living with purpose provides a sense of divine protection, as seen in Jesus' life. Despite the threats against Him, Jesus was untouchable until His mission was complete. This illustrates that when we are on assignment from God, we walk with authority and confidence, knowing that our lives are in His hands. This understanding gives us courage to face challenges, knowing that no weapon formed against us can prosper. When we align our lives with God's purpose, we can trust that He will protect us until our mission is fulfilled. [20:32]
Isaiah 54:17 (ESV): "No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel vulnerable? How can you align this area with God's purpose to experience His divine protection?
Day 3: Faith Over Sight
The resurrection of Lazarus teaches us to live by what God says rather than what we see. The tension between God's promises and our current reality is a test of faith. God's Word is powerful and can alter the circumstances of our lives if we choose to stand on it despite what we see. This requires us to trust in His promises and to live by faith, not by sight. When we focus on God's Word, we can find strength and hope, even in the midst of challenging situations. [25:09]
2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Reflection: Identify a promise from God's Word that you need to hold onto today. How can you live by this promise rather than by what you see in your current circumstances?
Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Christ requires a willingness to pay a price, to step out of comfort and convenience, and to live for an audience of one—God. This commitment is not about earthly rewards but eternal significance. The story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly oil exemplifies a life transformed by gratitude and love for Christ, willing to give extravagantly because of what He has done. True discipleship involves sacrifice and a focus on eternal values rather than temporary gains. [35:55]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to count the cost of following Christ? What steps can you take to embrace this cost with joy and gratitude?
Day 5: Extravagant Worship
Mary's act of anointing Jesus with costly oil demonstrates a life transformed by gratitude. True discipleship involves giving extravagantly to God, not out of obligation, but out of love and appreciation for what He has done. This act of worship was not about the value of the oil but the heart behind the offering. Extravagant worship is a response to God's love and grace, and it reflects a heart that is fully devoted to Him. [48:08]
Mark 14:6-9 (ESV): "But Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.'"
Reflection: What is one way you can offer extravagant worship to God today, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done in your life?
Quotes
Lazarus's resurrection was the thing that set the whole thing off. By the way, you never know when you will face a moment or an event that springboards you into the destiny that God has for you. You may never know what it looks like. It may not look like what you thought it would look like. Many times divine moments come wonderfully disguised as problems.
Purpose puts a protection over your life. See, where do we see this in the story? John chapter 11, verse number seven. So when he had heard that he was sick, he stayed two more days in the place where he was. Then after this, he said to his disciples, let us go to Judea again.
There is a protective power on your life when you live out your purpose. Knowing that you are living for something more than earthly rewards but eternal rewards. Everything that you receive here on this earth will disappear. Everything that you lay up in heaven will last forever.
The word of God is powerful. We don't understand, I don't believe, how powerful the word of God is. We equate the word of God with the spoken word of another individual. We don't understand that God's word and God's word alone carries with it the power to uphold the entire universe.
What is God saying about your situation? It's not the words of a mere man. These are the words of almighty God. So shall my word be that goes out of my mouth. It shall accomplish that which I please and prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it. The word of God is power.
The Lazarus effect. We learn to not live by what we see, but we learn to live by what God says. Lastly, number three today. The Lazarus effect. It's when we become willing to follow Christ despite the cost. I don't know what it is about us. I guess we're chronically human.
Jesus said I just want you to know on the upfront, I want you to know before you even dive into this thing that yes, the rewards are great and yes, the eternal consequences are life-changing and significant. And yes, I want good things for you, but I also got to tell you up front that you are going to have to pay a price in order to follow me.
The adversity purifies us, refines us, but the appreciation refires us. Has God ever done something so good for you that has made you love him that much more? That has made you say, I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold. I'd rather have Jesus than riches untold.
Mary took this worth a year's wages and she broke it on Jesus. But here's the thing. This wasn't the first time. See, many people get confused. They think that the different gospel versions are talking about the same alabaster box at different spaces in Scripture. But really, it's the same Mary and two occurrences.
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