GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 396 November 23, 2011
THANKSGIVING
"And so they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, 'Father, I thank thee that Thou heardest Me,'''John 11:41, NASB.
On the RESURRECTION DAY, and it's coming soon, every believer will hear the words that Jesus spoke in John 11:41. All over the earth – every corner, everywhere, the shout shall be heard: "REMOVE THE STONE." This blessed command for His people gives us the most powerful words that we could ever hear. These words are precious. However, And, it was such a miracle - Martha was somewhat doubtful about it occurring. She reasoned, "...Lord, by this time there will be stench, for he hath been dead four days" (V 39).
So, Jesus reminded Martha by stating those powerful and sweet words of John 11:40, "...Did I not say to you, if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" Have we ever seen the glory of God? When we were saved is no doubt the most glorious! I remember back in 1959. That glorious feeling has never left me. I cried like a baby when I received God's love by trusting His Son. Not a very cool for a teenager to cry but, as a lost sinner that just had my sins forgiven in the work of Jesus, I was a happy guy. Now, and since that year, He is my Savior.
Although, I had always believed that Jesus existed, died for man's sin and rose from the grave, I had never given the Lord my heart; my trust and my life. Not until 1959, that is. I never knew the words that Jesus spoke to the men, "REMOVE THE STONE." But, I am a happy man because of those eternal words. Lazarus was raised from the dead. So all saved shall be raised. Can't you hear the LORD saying the words, today? "REMOVE THE STONE," (Jn. 11:39) AMEN!
Holy Day or not, I really want America to give God 'Thanksgiving' for everything we have; especially, the hope of the resurrection. Because of the hope, God reigns in our hearts, daily. And so, although it seems necessary to practice giving the Lord thanks, let's start today to remember His gifts; not only on one Thursday in November, either. Let us always be "THANKFUL TO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT," 2nd Corinthians 9:15.
Just think of this one blessing, alone: God hears us when we pray. And, the reason God hears us pray comes only from the special gift and blessing that Jesus provided. Further, when we truly hear what Jesus is saying, we learn a very important fact. And, that is; all things come from the Father. Jesus knew that He had to teach this truth everywhere. We see it in His prayers. He was so thankful that His Father heard Him. Thus, if Jesus was thankful, shouldn't you and I give God glory for hearing us? Amen!
The Son loved the Father, giving all to Him. We can't miss this, once we see Him in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed that the cup might pass from Him that night. But, as we have learned, His death had been settled before the foundation of the world (See, 1st Peter 1:18-21). The fact of actual dying was, for Jesus as a man, a very tough situation. He was righteous; without ever doing a sin. Thus, while the Son of God came to do the Father's will, it seems that Jesus had to remind Himself of His purpose of coming to earth and what He came to do.
Certainly, His dying was harsh and painful. And, while all this is true for Him, as a man, when we look closer, we hear His words personally. "Is there any other way?", He asked. Soon, we learn that He was asking these question for all mankind, sinners like you and I. Is there any other way? There was not. Truly, His words were for us, as well as for the righteous Jesus, ready to be offered. Our LORD knew that man broke the Law and, also knew that He had to pay the price for man, as man. It is glorious to realize that Jesus was also speaking our behalf and for our benefit. How can we not trust His work today, friend?
And, His words were so spiritual and, so powerful, "...yet, not as I will but as Thy wilt," (Mt. 26:39). The concern of the Son was for His Father, in heaven. A little further down – verse 42 – Jesus makes this Holy and precious statement, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done." This time – for the first time – man speaks in true obedience to God. And, because He was willing to die for for mankind, Eternal life is given to all who trust in His holy offering.
The time was at hand for God's Son. True, the Second Person of the God Head agreed to the earlier plan, "before the foundation of the world;" but, now, in the garden, the time had arrived. His Father now could, and would, place Jesus on the cross. The Son of God met all the needed righteous requirements of the Law and now, it could be set aside. With a fulfilled Law, man could now be eternally saved from sin because of the death of the Son, Jesus.
At Calvary, we learn that all the Old Testament pictures were developed. The Lamb was slain (Ex. 12). Now that the true blood of an innocence and righteous man was offered, the curtain between the Holy place and the Holiest was, finally, torn in two. Now, every man is given access to God. As the Old was taken away, the beginning of the New Testament began. It all happened on that glorious day because of the One righteous man who would die for everyone. Thank You God for the gift of Your Son. We are so THANKFUL.