There Is Movement In The Graveyard

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. . . . .