April 17 Born Again

John 12:10-11 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus too, 11 because on his account many Jews were rejecting them and believing in Jesus.
 
OUT of the grave, Lazarus should be safe from all harm, shouldn’t he? But about three weeks later, the chief priests were plotting to kill him! What was Lazarus’ crime?
    His crime was life, wasn’t it? This friend of Jesus had received the magnificent resurrection healing, literally born again. As a result, he was a walking, talking, living testimony to Jesus’ power. Lazarus gave credibility to Jesus, who proclaimed, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) He is the Son of God, the author of life.
    Are you a living testimony to the life-giving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? What are some practical ways you can show to the world Jesus is alive? Sometimes demonstrating Jesus’ resurrection power may mean you comfort someone who is mournful or troubled in spirit. You can share how Jesus’ comforts you as you testify of the Spirit’s presence. Speak of prayer’s strength-giving power as you faithfully speak with your living Lord. Be confident and joyful, too, in the Lord as a testimony of the Lord’s peace ruling your life.
    Perhaps someone needs to decide about a relationship, finances or a job, and they seek your advice. You can tell them how you decide through a pattern that begins with reading the Bible. Share your prayer habit. Tell how you seek guidance from Christ-centered friends to help you know what is right and good to do. Testify to the ways God’s words have impacted your life. Then share a specific way that is real for you.
    You can tell people of the importance of taking time to seek God when they need strength and patience. Also, they should know that going to the Lord in prayer and inviting others to pray for you has helped you to know God’s truth is relevant for all circumstances. You can simply share, too, that when you follow Jesus’ life examples, life is better for you through the life of its Creator.
    Sadly, even as you are a living testimony to Jesus’ resurrection power, people will mock you. They want to “kill” your testimony, to silence Jesus in your life. Be of faith, then. Think of your life before you began to walk with Jesus. Remind yourself of the ways you are different now. And know, too, the more alive your faith is, the greater is your testimony. Alive in Jesus, people will see your Lord is very personally the resurrection and the life.
    Remember, as you confess Christ, you are born again, made alive in Jesus’ blood. Be alive in Jesus. Show the world Jesus is alive.
    
Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, that I am born again, free of death’s chains. Stir my heart to live steadfastly in the power of my risen Lord. Amen.