THERE IS MOVEMENT IN THE GRAVEYARD
JHN. 11.44
When one think of the graveyard. . . . generally the thoughts are those of an ery, hair-raising – scary feeling. . . . In the mind of some people – their thoughts of the graveyard is the last place their loved one was seen. . . . except for that of funeral processions and infrequent visitation – the grave-yard is rarely a place of action. . .
In common language – the graveyard is a place deemed as a place of the dead with no activity. . . .
But what if I told you this hour -- that the grave-yard is necessary. . . .No matter if people were enroute to hell or heaven --- for thousands of years the graveyard has served as the last place for life on this side. . . As it is appointed unto men once to die – but after this the judgment. . . .
Until the rapture – God commands that the graveyard is necessary --- Eccl.12.7 – for the dust shall return to the earth – and the spirit back to God who gave it. . . .
Look with me for a short while as we witness action in the graveyard in the town of Bethany. . . .
While residing two miles outside the city of Bethany, Jesus received word that Lazarus was sick. The scripture reveal that Jesus and Lazarus had become good friends, for on many occasions when Jesus traveled through Bethany, He lodged at the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Isn’t it good to have some place you can go. . . some place where friendship abide.. . . some place where you know you are loved. . . . Well my friends, this is what Jesus has done for you. . . He promised he was going to prepare a place – that we could come in -- out of the storms of life. . . . If John was here this hour, he would testify, in that place there is no more sickness --- in that place there is no more sorrow – in that place, there is no more death – pain and crying will be all over. . . .
One would think—because of the loving heart of Jesus --- and by the fact that he had ate at Lazarus’s table and slept under Lazarus roof --- that when He received word that his friend was sick --- He would have rushed to Bethany. . . Can man find the mind of God? Since God so loved the world – why did the Son of God – after receiving word from Lazarus – Lord. . . behold, he whom thou loveth is sick. . . .
I’ve learned that there is something strange about sickness. . . .
1. Sickness will reveal who your real friends and loved-ones are
2. Sickness will determine the spirit of dedication
3. Sickness will test your saintship
4. Sickness will give your lips the fruit of testimony
After receiving word of Lazarus’ condition – Instead of Jesus rushing back to Bethany. .. Jesus remained in Jerusalem two more days. . . . . has anyone here ever called on Him ?
And it seemed as if before He showed up. . . your situation had gotten worser, your pain became more intense --- you life became lonlier --- it seems as if the knot tied at the end of the rope is about to unravel. . . If you’ve ever wondered why --- well Jesus answers this why in verse 4. . . . first of all what-ever you are going through – there is deliverance…. He told his disciples – this sickness is not unto death. . . . Secondly that – but for the glory of God – that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. . . Whatever you may be going through --- God has some glory in it. . . . No matter how bleak your situation may seem --- God will give victory and deliverance. . . . .
You see!!! This man named Jesus --- He may not come when you want Him --- but he’s always on time. . . .
Come with me – let us follow Jesus into Bethany. . . I feel I need to warn you that before you make this journey to Bethany – there are some folk there that won’t like you. . Just a few days ago – they ran Jesus and His disciples out of town ---- If you follow Jesus – you’re sure to run into people that don’t like you. . . . . But isn’t it good that Jesus has an answer for all of life’s situations. .. . In verses 9 and 10 Jesus assures his disciples – as long as you are with me --- there is nothing to worry about. . . . Is there anybody here today – that’s determined to follow Jesus???? Your days may get dark – but it will be alright --- the road may get rugged – bit it will be alright --- the hills may seem high – but it will be alright --- when one problem put you down – and another pick you up – stay with Jesus – everything will be alright. . . . .
As soon as Martha heard that Jesus was coming – she ran out to meet him. . . . I believe there is a blessing for you --- if you get up and go meet Jesus. . . .
Get up from your family. . . . . Get up from your loved ones. . . . Get up from your friends. . . . get up from those that have come to console you. . . go to met Jesus. . .
Moses met him at the burning bush
Abraham met Him at the sacrificial altar
Jacob met Him on the plains of Jabok
Samuel met Him in the temple of Eli
Shadrack, Meshack, and Abenago met Him in the fiery furnace. . .
If you want life – you need to meet Jesus
If you are seeking resurrection – you need to meet Jesus. . .
Listen at Martha’s words to Jesus – Master—if thou hadth been here – my brother had not died. . . . But I’m reminded of what Jesus said in Jhn 10.10b --- I’ve come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. . . .
I heard Jesus ask Martha – show me where ye have laid him. . . .
Come on let follow Jesus – down to the grave-yard.. . .
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
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.
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.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
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.
