Start The Year Off Right

[shortlady]

John 11 makes for a great New Year's message. It's about a friend of Jesus named Lazarus who got more than a new year; he got a whole new life! That's right. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life." Then he proved his statement by raising his friend from the dead. Lazarus had been dead and buried four days when Jesus came on the scene. His sisters believed in Jesus, and Martha said, "If you had been here, Lord, my brother would not have died!" She knew that Jesus had the power to heal her brother, but for some reason Jesus was too late getting to Bethany and her brother had died. So why was the Son of God late getting to his friend who was very ill? Jesus explained it to His disciples when He said, "The final result of this sickness will not be the death of Lazarus; this has happened in order to bring glory to God, and it will be the means by which the Son of God will receive glory." It may seem hard to believe, but it's true nonetheless. Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus on purpose so he WOULD die! Mary and Martha sure didn't understand, and even His own disciples had not a clue. But Jesus had a plan - glory to God. In the process, He weeps for their pain and builds their faith. You see, sometimes God has to walk you through some pretty hard times, but it's for your good and God's glory. Don't lose faith. Never give up. Keep trusting Jesus. And you, like Lazarus, will get more than a new year. You'll get a whole new life. God be with you all...