Red Letters: The Answer - Pastor Josiah Elias
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- Dec 15, 2025
- 5 min read
“Emanuel” means “God with us.“ In Hebrews 13:5 Jesus states, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then we sang,”There is no one like You in the heavens and on the earth.” The worship time pointed us to the Lord.
We might be in an uncommon season of warring, but the battle belongs to the Lord. Pastor Josiah then cited Proverbs 21:31. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with the LORD.” (NIV) Let us rest in that fact and give each circumstance to Him. May we let Him lead us and we not struggle. He is more than enough and able.
FC’s mission is to culture like Christ, and our vision is Jesus. Last week Pastor Josiah discussed “The Twin” Thomas. Though Thomas was known as the doubter, he was more than that. When Jesus wanted to go to Bethany even though the priests wanted to kill him, Thomas urged the other disciples to go with Jesus and even die with Him.
This week we were in John 11 where Jesus and His disciples were told that Lazarus had been dead for four days. The common thought was that the spirit could re-enter a body within three days, but after that the body was dead. Lazarus, being dead for four days was beyond the deadline. When man can do no more, He gets the final word. What do you do when the deadline is over? Pastor shared an example of the Lord having the final word over his cousin Danny’s life. Danny has been resuscitated over seventy times, and he is doing better. The Lord has the final say.
Previously we saw the differences between Martha and Mary. Martha was the doer; she made sure everyone was comfortable and had all they needed. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to Him. Martha was very frustrated with Mary, but the Lord told Martha that Mary’s being with the Lord was the better decision. This time Martha went out to greet the Lord and declared,”Lord, if you only had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:21-22 (NIV) Martha stated her faith. She knew that Jesus could defeat death like He did with Jairus’ twelve year old daughter. The question was not if He could resurrect Lazarus but if He would do it.
The conversation continued.
“Jesus told her,’Your brother will rise again.’
‘Yes,’ Martha said,’he will rise when everyone else rises, at
the last day.’
Jesus told her, ’I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who
believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?’
‘Yes, Lord,’ she told him. I have always believed you are the
Messiah….’” John 11:23-27 (NLT)
Martha’s faith was solid. Even at Lazarus’ death, she emphasized her faith in the Lord.
In John Jesus made five “I Am” statements:
“I am the bread of life.” John 6:35
“I am the light of the world.” John 8:12
“I am the door of the sheep.”John 10:7
“I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11
I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25
Do I believe this? Do I have faith in these five “I Am” statements about the Savior? If I do, do I think, say, and act like it on Monday through Saturday?
Jesus told His disciples that difficulties would come into their lives. They are part of this sin filled world. How do you reconcile the challenges and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Some times the difficult times are proving grounds for your life. How do you deal with the challenges? Do you run to Him or run to your old dead-end solutions?
After her conversation with Jesus, Martha went to get Mary and told her that Jesus wanted to see her. “Mary immediately went to him.” John 11:29 (NLT) The other people followed Mary. It’s always right the time to run to Jesus. Even in your mourning, run to Jesus. Pastor Josiah encouraged us,”Come to Jesus even if it’s in the middle of your pain.” That is the best time to run to Jesus because He intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. The heavenly Father bends down to hear our prayers. People watch where you turn in the hard times: to Jesus or away from Him.
The people followed Mary to Jesus.
“Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him,
she fell down at His feet, saying, ’Lord, if You had been here,
my brother would not have died.” John 11:32 (NKJV)
Jesus saw Mary and the people with her weeping. Jesus saw her pain “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NKJV) For Jesus, our High Priest, understands our wounds,”for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15b (NLT) Jesus knew what she was experiencing, and yet He remained faithful. We’re never cornered by sin. Let’s lean into the glory of God and not run to excuses and old patterns. Miracles reveal God’s glory.
Next He asked where Lazarus was laid. Then Jesus told them to roll away the stone. People protested because after four days in the tomb, the body would stink. Even in our days of revival, there might be some stink going on. But growth does have some pains (or stink).
Jesus prayed, ”Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” John 11:41-42 (NLT) Thanksgiving is a paved road to the miraculous. One of my friends told me about a victory record. When the Lord performs a miracle in your life, write it down, When we remember all that He has done for us, it helps us lean into Him more. The God of miracles makes things happen.
The Lord Jesus commanded,”’Lazarus, come out!’ And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth.” John 11:43-44 (NLT) Whatever sickness had felled Lazarus, he was restored. Jesus did not stop Lazarus’ death. He was stewarding obedience. For each of us we must steward the answer well. Who is the answer? Jesus.
The Paramount Point is Don’t get lost in the questions when you can be found in the answer.
Jesus calls us out of our difficulty. He will restore you. He loves you dearly. God is not afraid of the questions. He will sit with you. Everything you need is in Jesus, the Answer!
Calendar:
12/24 Christmas Eve service 5:00-6:00
Submitted by Larry and Annette
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