18 MAY

RIGHT PRIORITIES (3)
(MARY)

“When Jesus saw her [Mary] weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.”

(John 11:33)

Previously, Martha was serving while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, listening intently to His teaching. When Martha complained, Jesus said Mary had chosen the better part. Indeed, Mary had chosen the needful and it would not be taken away from her. Yes, we have a choice!

Later on, when Lazarus their brother died, Martha had learnt right priorities. She enthusiastically went out to meet Jesus and exhibited deep faith in the person, healing and resurrection power of Christ. She had overcome her resentment for her sister Mary and did not want her to miss out; so she went back to the house to call her.

Are we harbouring resentment? What actions have we taken to bring our relations to Christ? Mary made the same statement of faith in the healing power of Christ but in a deep emotion from a deep relationship, fell at Jesus feet and broke down in tears. Her friends also wept. I believe in what I call “the prayer of tears”: deep, heartfelt, heart-moving, heart-breaking prayers, with tears and groaning from the spirit, mixed with faith. It has always brought immediate miraculous answers to me.

Jesus’ response to Martha was one of teaching, calling her to hope and faith, but his response to Mary was more emotional. Mary’s weeping provoked the compassion and immediate action from Jesus. Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Note His words: “Where have they laid him?” Being Christ, He already knew but it was an introductory sentence to action. Then, Jesus wept!

What happened next is one of His greatest miracles to date. Lazarus, dead and buried for four days, and probably decaying, was raised to life by Jesus!

ACTION:  Develop a deep, intimate and practical relationship with the Lord.

PRAYER: I declare into my life and in the lives of those around me, renewal, restoration and rebuilding of our broken down walls and lives, and our country Nigeria, in Jesus name. Amen.