Red Letters: The Twin - Pastor Josiah Elias

The boy had two fish and five loaves. Since he lived in Israel, the fives loaves were probably pita bread. He did not have much, but he offered all he had to the Savior. What the Lord Jesus Christ did with the five loaves and two fish was incredible-feeding five thousand men not including women and children. When we give Him what we have, our miracle-making Savior will astound us. When you live generously and give to Jesus, “you write yourself into the story,” declared Pastor Josiah.

FC’s mission is to culture like Christ, and the vision is Jesus. Two weeks ago Jason David and his wife shared their journey. Last week at the NexGen service, the tag team of Pastors Tim, Michel and Franklin expounded on the topic of “Identity-Saved, Sons, and Sent.”

This week Pastor Josiah shared about “The Twin.” John 11 was set in Bethany where Lazarus, Martha, and Mary lived. The sisters sent a message to Jesus that Lazarus was sick. Jesus explained to the disciples,”Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death.” John 11:4 (NLT) Jesus chose His words carefully. “End-Grk. Pros-To the advantage of, towards, at, with regard to.”

You might be in the middle of something, but the “story is not over,” declared Pastor Josiah. While the three Hebrew men were in the fire, the story was not over. While Daniel was in the lions’ den, the story was not over. When Saul was killing Christians before his walk to Damascus, the story was not over.

Is there a job issue, a breeched relationship, or a business deal in which you are in the middle? You have a choice: to be distracted or to step into faith. “Don’t try your way,” advised Pastor Josiah; he asked, “What kind of confidence would you have if you knew you were walking out of God’s will?” That question made me think of who Jesus was/is and how He has been with me since I accepted Jesus as my Lord. My confidence would be diminished if I actively and willfully walked out of God’s will. He knows all, sees all. If you want to be in His will, ask Him what His will is for you. He will tell you.

Jesus continued, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” John 11:4 (NLT)  Miracles reveal the glory of God, and they are His doing. For anything you see in Christ is God’s doing as explained in Hebrews 1:3. “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.” (NLT) Jesus is the perfect reflection of God. Another corroborating verse is ”For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9 (NKJV) He and the Father are one.

God does not afflict people in order to perform a miracle. In other words, God does not do magic tricks to make make Himself look good. He performs miracles to reveal His character of love, compassion, hope.  

Another aspect concerning actions is the free will. Our own course of action is sometimes allowed under the auspice of free will in order to accomplish a greater purpose. We have the free will to concentrate on Jesus daily through reading His word, listening to His still, small voice, and spending time with fellow believers, but if we focus instead on our culture, our wants, and social media, we will make different decisions. How we invest our time is reflected in our words and actions. We will act the content of our hearts.

Back to John 11, Jesus told His disciples He wanted to go back to Jerusalem. His disciples protested since previously the priests tried to stone Jesus and His followers. Thus, they were reluctant to return where they were in danger and so was He. However, Jesus reminded them that Lazarus was the issue.

 “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go 

and wake him up.”

“The disciples said, ‘Lord if he is sleeping he will soon 

get better!’

So he told them plainly,’Lazarus is dead. And for your

sakes, I am glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really

believe.” John 11:11-12,14-15 (NLT)

Jesus had to clarify for His disciples that Lazarus was legitimately dead. It was time to go see him.

Though the other disciples were wary about returning, “Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples.’Let’s go too and die with Jesus.’” John 11`:16 (NLT) From Thomas’ words, you can tell he was “all in”-willing to die with Jesus. Thomas being a twin understood strong connection. There is “something about being womb mates,” stated Pastor Josiah. NOTHING IS ACCIDENTAL WITH GOD! Every action is purposeful.

After Jesus’ crucifixion, He appeared to ten disciples and showed them His hands and side. They were overjoyed to see the risen Savior. Where was Thomas? He was not there and would not believe that the other disciples had seen Jesus. He declared,”Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’” John 20:25 (NIV) A week later with the doors locked, “Jesus came and stood among them and said,’Peace be with you.’” John 20:26 (NIV) He invited Thomas to touch His nail scarred hands and side.

“Thomas said to him,’My Lord and my God.’” John 20:28 (NIV) Thomas chose to leave his skepticism and to believe that it was Jesus. Thomas left his hurt and pain of Jesus’ crucifixion for the risen Savior. The Paramount Point is “Don’t let pain suffocate your faith.”

Jesus had said to Thomas,”Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” John 20:27 (NLT) “Then Jesus told him,’You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are this who believe without seeing me.’”  John 20:29 (NLT) Pastor Josiah advised,”Don’t wallow in your pain. Believe!” Shift your eyes to look up instead of looking down at your hurt and sadness. When you look up, you see the Savior and all He does and can do for and with you.  “Elevate your faith. Trust Him. Let Him mend the wounds,”  encouraged Pastor Josiah. You will be transformed.

May we look up and reflect our faithful Jesus in this sad and darkened world. Let His light come into your darkness.

Calendar:

12/12-LB potluck, worship and caroling in the Activity Center….

We are changing this year and singing in the Activity Center

12/13-12/14-Community Christmas

12/24-Christmas Eve service. 5:00pm

12/31-Midnight Hour