Pastor Alex Adegboye
Texts: Eccl 6:1, John 12
We are constantly in search of a good life because we want to enjoy our lives to the fullest. Governments around the world try to make life full for their people; parents would want their children to be in want of nothing. So is God. He is not a bad parent. In john 10: 10 Jesus said that he is come that we may have life and have it more abundantly. The question is ‘how do we live the life to the fullest? I will draw wisdom from the story of Lazarus.
The resurrection of Lazarus was a dress rehearsal for the resurrection of Christ. It was the last miracle he performed before he went to resurrect himself. The resurrection of Lazarus speaks to us as an ambassador of hope to everyone who ever needed a second chance at life. It is a proof of the possibility of resurrection for those who doubt. Lazarus is the only man in the canon of the scripture who died and lived to tell his story other than the Lord Jesus.
THREE POINTS ARE IMPORTANT IN THE STORY OF LAZARUS
1. He was dead but was given his life back. What do you think he would do with his life after resurrection?
2. Jesus called Lazarus by name when he raised him from the dead. Like Lazarus, we were all dead in our sins but God called us by name.
Isaiah 43:1 (KJV)
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isaiah 45:4 (KJV)
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I havesurnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
3. Jesus visited Lazarus after the resurrection. That is an appointment with God
HOW DO WE LIVE OUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST?
1. Lazarus will only show up for Jesus. You must make Jesus the center of your being.
- 2 Cor. 13:1-14
Jeremiah 9:23 (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
1 Cor. 1:31-2:2 (KJV)
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
[2:1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
2 Cor. 10:1 (KJV)
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
Philip. 1:21 (KJV)
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
2. Be comfortable with Jesus.
John 12:2 (KJV)
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Lazarus enjoyed and loved the company of Jesus. You must enjoy the company of the body of Christ, the congregation of the righteous. Psalm 100;2, 91:1, 23:6, 27:4, Luke 4:16
Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 27:4 (KJV)
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 91:1 (KJV)
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 100:2 (KJV)
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Luke 4:16 (KJV)
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
3. Live beyond intimidation.
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
1 John 4:4 (KJV)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
4. Help others to find the grace of God that you have found.
Isaiah 8:18 (KJV)
Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
Luke 22:31 (KJV)
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
5. An attitude of gratitude to God
Col. 2:20 (KJV)
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances
We are incomplete without Christ and the way to be complete in him is what I have shown you. Make Jesus the center of your life.
