Scripture: John 12.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

John 12:1-3 (NLT)

1 Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead.

2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him.

3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

In this passage we should remember that this dinner occurred just a short while after Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus. We should also remember that Martha was the one who went out and greeted Jesus when He came to raise Lazarus from the dead. Some of the comments by Martha show us that she doubted that Jesus could do anything about her brother’s death at this late stage, for he had been in the grave for four days. Now let’s study these verses in light of this background. I have read this passage so many times, yet God spoke to me so directly this time. I had to assume that a loved one had passed away and that Jesus came into town and raised that person from the dead – something that we generally don’t even think to ask for in prayer. A few days later I am at a dinner meeting or even at church and Jesus is there. What would I do to show: (1) My remorse for having doubted that He could bring life into a dead person, or (2) My appreciation for Him bringing my loved one back to life, and (3) My amazement that He loved me so much, that in spite of my doubt, yet He would come and dine in a place where even I would be. Yes I was provoked to think about what I might do that may truly reveal my love for Jesus, my thankfulness to Him and my reassurance of His power, His mercy and His grace. Friends, I believe that all Jesus demands back from us is that we truly love Him and commit ourselves fully to Him and that we treat Him and love Him as our everlasting, ever loving, all powerful Father. Do you know Him in this kind of personal way? If you are troubled in any way by this, please contact me via email and allow me to pray with you about this.

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Lord Jesus, I am convinced that You are the same all powerful Savior that I read about in this passage this morning. Martha gave up everything she had to show her appreciation and love to You. I pray that I will learn to do the same each day of my life. Please especially help me today to share Your love with someone who may not know You as Lord and personal Savior. Please touch the hearts of those who may read this devotional and work a miracle in their lives today. Thank You for loving me so much that You gave. May I also give back to You out of a heart of love today. Thank You for Your Word, and especially thank You for opening my eyes to the truths revealed through Your Word.

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com
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