WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.080 I left home at 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. 00:00:05.060 --> 00:00:10.200 I was going to Walmart to find flour and bread. 00:00:10.939 --> 00:00:16.780 I went into Walmart and got one of the last bags of regular flour. 00:00:17.780 --> 00:00:20.940 But there was no bread on the shelf, no loaves of bread. 00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:22.900 So I took off to Ingalls. 00:00:24.060 --> 00:00:28.320 I got the next to the last bag of self-rising flour. 00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:34.500 And there was absolutely no bread to be found on any of the shelves in Ingalls. 00:00:35.320 --> 00:00:39.179 Now I know most of you have had a similar experience. 00:00:39.759 --> 00:00:44.200 Because right now at least, this is the new normal. 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:49.900 In fact, I heard someone say the other day that the way things are going right now, 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:52.420 they felt like we were living in the twilight zone. 00:00:53.299 --> 00:00:54.679 We can relate, can't we? 00:00:54.679 --> 00:01:04.900 However we describe it, we are living in the midst of the most disruptive crisis since World War II. 00:01:05.560 --> 00:01:06.760 How are you responding? 00:01:07.879 --> 00:01:12.039 How are you responding to the coronavirus crisis? 00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:16.819 How do you normally respond to a crisis in your life? 00:01:16.819 --> 00:01:19.319 Do you turn to God for help? 00:01:20.459 --> 00:01:23.119 Or do you blame God? 00:01:23.239 --> 00:01:24.039 Some people do. 00:01:24.859 --> 00:01:28.199 And instead of turning to Him, some just turn away. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:32.219 Or do you ignore God? 00:01:33.099 --> 00:01:36.519 And just sort of do the best I can. 00:01:36.519 --> 00:01:43.759 But realistically, you're doing the best you can like an atheist. 00:01:44.439 --> 00:01:46.099 You're just leaving God out. 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:51.879 I want us to look at a passage, John chapter 11 this morning, 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:58.459 that provides for us a great example of how Christians should respond to a crisis. 00:01:58.459 --> 00:02:04.939 Now, what we're going to be looking at is how two sisters, Martha and Mary, 00:02:05.479 --> 00:02:07.639 responded to a crisis. 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:09.799 Their brother had died. 00:02:10.379 --> 00:02:12.180 His name was Lazarus. 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:16.840 Many of you are familiar with Martha and Mary and Lazarus. 00:02:17.259 --> 00:02:18.680 They were friends of Jesus. 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:22.479 We learn from Luke's gospel, the 10th chapter, 00:02:23.259 --> 00:02:25.699 that they hosted Jesus in their home. 00:02:25.699 --> 00:02:28.979 It seems that they had a close relationship. 00:02:29.319 --> 00:02:31.879 Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus. 00:02:32.819 --> 00:02:35.739 Well, that's why when Lazarus, 00:02:36.119 --> 00:02:41.219 what appears to have suddenly come down with a serious illness, 00:02:42.659 --> 00:02:45.519 Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. 00:02:46.139 --> 00:02:50.419 They sent word to Him because they wanted Him to come and heal their brother. 00:02:51.859 --> 00:02:54.179 But Jesus did not immediately go. 00:02:54.180 --> 00:02:57.319 And Lazarus died. 00:02:58.800 --> 00:03:00.159 They buried Him. 00:03:01.260 --> 00:03:04.800 And then four days later, four days after He was buried, 00:03:05.900 --> 00:03:09.400 Jesus arrived at the house of Mary and Martha. 00:03:10.819 --> 00:03:17.620 John describes all this to us in John chapter 11, verses 1 through 45. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:21.939 We're going to read some of these verses as we go through this message. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:25.480 But I want to encourage you, maybe sometime today, 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:31.240 to read John chapter 11, all the first 45 verses. 00:03:31.900 --> 00:03:34.879 Or you may even want to pause this message right now 00:03:34.879 --> 00:03:38.560 and go ahead and read John 11, 1 through 45. 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:41.259 But as we go through this message, 00:03:42.219 --> 00:03:45.759 I want you to keep in mind that the qualities we see in Jesus, 00:03:46.759 --> 00:03:51.819 they're the same exact qualities that we see in God the Father. 00:03:52.819 --> 00:03:55.699 One of the things Jesus did when He came into this world 00:03:55.699 --> 00:04:00.300 is He revealed to us what God the Father is like. 00:04:00.300 --> 00:04:02.960 Jesus explained it like this one day. 00:04:03.439 --> 00:04:06.540 Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. 00:04:08.160 --> 00:04:10.280 From this John 11 passage, 00:04:10.939 --> 00:04:12.920 I want to point out two lessons 00:04:12.920 --> 00:04:17.100 that can help us deal with any crisis, 00:04:17.879 --> 00:04:20.240 including the coronavirus crisis 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:26.699 that we all have been touched by right now. 00:04:27.639 --> 00:04:28.420 Lesson number one. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:30.439 Whenever you face a crisis, 00:04:31.400 --> 00:04:32.400 turn to the Lord. 00:04:33.240 --> 00:04:34.500 Turn to the Lord. 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:37.060 When Mary and Martha found out 00:04:37.060 --> 00:04:38.740 that their brother was seriously ill, 00:04:39.540 --> 00:04:42.379 they immediately sent word to Jesus. 00:04:43.280 --> 00:04:45.220 Look at it in verse 3. 00:04:45.920 --> 00:04:48.000 So the sisters sent to Him, saying, 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:51.560 Lord, he whom you love is ill. 00:04:52.220 --> 00:04:52.959 Now think about that. 00:04:53.339 --> 00:04:57.420 Their first response to a crisis, 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:59.759 their brother was seriously ill, 00:05:00.420 --> 00:05:01.699 well, they turned to the Lord for help. 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:05.379 Now we know from what they said later, 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:08.279 after Lazarus had died, 00:05:09.139 --> 00:05:11.019 that they were hoping that Jesus would come 00:05:11.019 --> 00:05:11.980 and heal their brother. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:16.639 In fact, both Mary and Martha 00:05:16.639 --> 00:05:22.219 said the exact same thing to Jesus later on. 00:05:22.419 --> 00:05:25.479 It's found in verses 21 and verse 32. 00:05:26.199 --> 00:05:27.439 They both said to Jesus, 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:29.699 Lord, if you had been here, 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:32.120 my brother would not have died. 00:05:33.579 --> 00:05:37.759 Now, when a crisis occurs in your life, 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.800 what is your first response? 00:05:41.800 --> 00:05:43.540 Now be honest. 00:05:44.780 --> 00:05:47.360 Looking to the Lord is not always 00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:49.819 our first response, is it? 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:55.740 Sometimes we do everything except look to Him. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:57.660 Sometimes we panic. 00:05:59.379 --> 00:06:01.019 Sometimes we not only panic, 00:06:01.139 --> 00:06:03.960 but we say or do things that are irrational. 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:08.160 That's why there's a toilet paper shortage right now. 00:06:08.160 --> 00:06:10.960 People are acting irrationally 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:13.280 in responding to this crisis. 00:06:14.400 --> 00:06:16.740 Some people, what they react is 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:19.060 they try to downplay its seriousness 00:06:19.060 --> 00:06:23.020 or maybe even ignore it. 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:26.840 Just pretend it's not there 00:06:26.840 --> 00:06:29.220 and hope that it'll go away. 00:06:30.200 --> 00:06:31.500 You know, there are some people right now 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:34.260 who are denying the seriousness 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:37.259 of the coronavirus pandemic. 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:39.620 They're trying to downplay it. 00:06:39.839 --> 00:06:40.839 And I want to be honest with you. 00:06:41.639 --> 00:06:42.719 At the first, 00:06:43.599 --> 00:06:45.459 when things were starting to be said, 00:06:45.980 --> 00:06:48.459 and it was mostly our media saying them, 00:06:49.459 --> 00:06:50.620 I was one of the ones 00:06:50.620 --> 00:06:52.699 who was guilty of denying it. 00:06:53.699 --> 00:06:55.599 It was not really until last Friday 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:57.500 when President Trump came on, 00:06:57.899 --> 00:06:59.719 surrounding himself with government 00:06:59.719 --> 00:07:01.699 and private sector leaders, 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:04.399 that it really sunk into me. 00:07:05.039 --> 00:07:08.699 This is something that is extremely serious, 00:07:09.500 --> 00:07:10.979 deadly serious. 00:07:11.979 --> 00:07:16.779 And so we need to avoid being that kind of person 00:07:16.779 --> 00:07:20.740 who pretends it's not real or it's not serious. 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:23.699 That is not the way to respond to any kind of crisis. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:26.139 But you know, I think a lot of people, 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:28.039 including Christians, 00:07:28.040 --> 00:07:30.860 sometimes respond to a crisis 00:07:30.860 --> 00:07:32.980 by just sort of what you might say, 00:07:33.340 --> 00:07:36.000 buckling down, getting tough, 00:07:36.840 --> 00:07:40.980 and just doing the best that we can on our own, 00:07:42.060 --> 00:07:43.879 and really with very little thought 00:07:43.879 --> 00:07:45.480 about looking to the Lord. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:48.600 Now don't misunderstand that last statement. 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:50.600 When a crisis happens, 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:54.600 we need to act decisively 00:07:55.200 --> 00:07:58.220 as well as turn to the Lord. 00:07:58.740 --> 00:07:59.720 A few years ago, 00:08:00.439 --> 00:08:01.600 on a Sunday morning, 00:08:02.400 --> 00:08:04.040 Lisa passed out. 00:08:05.080 --> 00:08:06.439 And when I went to her, 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:09.540 helping her to sort of gather herself together, 00:08:10.100 --> 00:08:13.480 she complained with severe pain in her stomach. 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:16.480 Well, we got ready as quickly as possible 00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:17.840 and took off to the ER. 00:08:18.840 --> 00:08:22.160 And I am so glad we acted decisively 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:23.220 and quickly 00:08:23.220 --> 00:08:25.600 because the pain was coming from her appendix. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:27.879 And by getting there when we did, 00:08:28.140 --> 00:08:29.560 they were able to do the surgery 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:31.439 before it ruptured. 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:35.180 Now, as we were getting ready, 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:36.180 hurriedly, 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:38.920 and as we flew to the ER, 00:08:38.919 --> 00:08:43.519 we did turn to the Lord in prayer. 00:08:44.879 --> 00:08:47.959 We asked God to help Lisa, 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:49.120 take care of her, 00:08:50.439 --> 00:08:52.459 help her to get over this, 00:08:52.559 --> 00:08:54.479 help us to get to where we need to be 00:08:54.479 --> 00:08:55.979 for her to get help. 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:58.159 And I'm sure the way that I drove, 00:08:58.319 --> 00:08:59.419 Lisa was also praying, 00:08:59.539 --> 00:09:01.000 Lord, help us to not get killed 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:02.299 on the way there. 00:09:02.299 --> 00:09:02.699 But, 00:09:04.339 --> 00:09:07.259 as we got ready, 00:09:08.479 --> 00:09:10.099 as we drove, 00:09:11.500 --> 00:09:14.319 we did everything we knew to do. 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:15.240 We had hurried, 00:09:15.699 --> 00:09:16.939 we'd acted decisively, 00:09:17.539 --> 00:09:18.399 we had prayed, 00:09:18.979 --> 00:09:20.179 we had looked to the Lord, 00:09:22.039 --> 00:09:25.359 and we did what you might say 00:09:25.359 --> 00:09:26.559 the best we could, 00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:27.959 personally, 00:09:28.439 --> 00:09:30.759 and in terms of turning it over to the Lord. 00:09:30.759 --> 00:09:33.919 During this time of crisis in our country, 00:09:34.439 --> 00:09:37.100 we desperately need to be 00:09:37.100 --> 00:09:38.460 looking to the Lord 00:09:38.460 --> 00:09:40.559 and calling out to Him 00:09:40.559 --> 00:09:42.000 for help, 00:09:42.279 --> 00:09:43.580 for wisdom, 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:46.000 for divine intervention 00:09:46.000 --> 00:09:47.159 into this crisis. 00:09:47.539 --> 00:09:49.039 But at the same time, 00:09:49.539 --> 00:09:52.039 we also need to be listening 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:54.700 to our government and healthcare leaders, 00:09:54.919 --> 00:09:57.019 and we need to be listening carefully. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:00.039 We need to be following their instructions. 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:03.480 We need to be doing everything that we can 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:05.059 to stay healthy, 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:07.399 to help others, 00:10:08.399 --> 00:10:09.700 and to stop the spread 00:10:09.700 --> 00:10:12.620 of this very, very serious virus. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:14.740 Now, I want to ask you, 00:10:15.700 --> 00:10:17.539 do you naturally 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:19.279 and automatically 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:20.840 turn to the Lord 00:10:20.840 --> 00:10:22.340 in a time of crisis? 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:25.940 I can predict your answer. 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:28.120 It really depends 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:29.460 on the kind of relationship 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:31.060 that you have with the Lord. 00:10:31.860 --> 00:10:33.940 If you have a close relationship with Him, 00:10:35.040 --> 00:10:36.639 you spend time with Him, 00:10:37.340 --> 00:10:38.320 you talk to Him, 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:39.379 you listen to Him, 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:42.220 well, you'll just naturally turn to Him 00:10:42.220 --> 00:10:44.340 whenever a crisis occurs, 00:10:45.420 --> 00:10:46.300 and you'll turn to Him 00:10:46.300 --> 00:10:47.259 with confidence. 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:49.639 But if you don't have 00:10:49.639 --> 00:10:52.019 a real relationship with Him, 00:10:53.179 --> 00:10:54.720 then you won't turn to Him. 00:10:56.419 --> 00:10:56.980 You know, 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:57.580 if you don't have 00:10:57.580 --> 00:10:58.639 a close relationship 00:10:58.639 --> 00:10:59.899 with the Lord right now, 00:11:00.779 --> 00:11:01.879 there is absolutely 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:02.779 no better time 00:11:02.779 --> 00:11:04.399 for you to begin one 00:11:04.399 --> 00:11:05.799 than now. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:07.779 And I'm talking to Christians. 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:10.399 I'm talking to you 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:11.480 who you do know 00:11:11.480 --> 00:11:12.779 Christ as your Lord and Savior. 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:15.220 You do pray at times. 00:11:15.539 --> 00:11:17.179 You do read the Bible at times. 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.639 You're watching this message 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:20.259 right now. 00:11:21.359 --> 00:11:22.879 But I want to encourage you, 00:11:24.599 --> 00:11:27.500 start spending time 00:11:27.500 --> 00:11:29.239 with the Lord every day, 00:11:30.239 --> 00:11:30.859 seriously. 00:11:31.699 --> 00:11:32.899 Just you and Him. 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:35.959 Talk to Him in prayer. 00:11:36.059 --> 00:11:36.739 That's really what prayer 00:11:36.739 --> 00:11:37.179 is all about. 00:11:37.599 --> 00:11:38.339 Talking to the Lord, 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:39.339 communing to Him. 00:11:40.979 --> 00:11:41.759 Listening to Him. 00:11:43.479 --> 00:11:44.620 And think about 00:11:44.620 --> 00:11:46.039 as you read the Bible, 00:11:46.039 --> 00:11:47.039 this is God's Word. 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:48.299 This is God speaking. 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:50.360 Listen to the Lord 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:52.439 as you read His Word. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:53.879 You know, 00:11:53.919 --> 00:11:55.279 it may be that your life, 00:11:55.379 --> 00:11:56.799 your schedule at least, 00:11:57.620 --> 00:11:59.240 has slowed down. 00:11:59.319 --> 00:12:00.240 Your life's slowed down. 00:12:00.319 --> 00:12:01.339 Your schedule's gotten 00:12:01.339 --> 00:12:02.179 a little bit lighter 00:12:02.179 --> 00:12:03.419 during this crisis. 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:04.079 You may not have 00:12:04.079 --> 00:12:04.759 warned it to, 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:05.539 but it is. 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:07.240 I want to encourage you 00:12:07.240 --> 00:12:08.379 to take some of this time 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:11.159 and do some reading. 00:12:11.159 --> 00:12:13.279 There's all kinds of 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:15.759 helpful Christian books 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:17.659 and articles available today 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:20.339 that you would profit from. 00:12:20.839 --> 00:12:22.399 Help you to know God better. 00:12:23.039 --> 00:12:24.059 To know how to live 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:25.559 in a closer relationship 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:25.879 with Him. 00:12:25.919 --> 00:12:26.860 To know how to use 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:28.039 the gifts He's given you. 00:12:28.120 --> 00:12:29.360 To know how to better serve Him. 00:12:29.360 --> 00:12:30.639 You know, 00:12:30.720 --> 00:12:32.120 our church family, 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:33.899 as a church family, 00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:34.779 we have access 00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:36.759 to some very good 00:12:36.759 --> 00:12:38.639 online Bible studies 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:39.960 and resources 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:41.419 for people of all ages 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:43.820 through Right Now Media. 00:12:44.680 --> 00:12:45.620 You can access 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:46.980 Right Now Media 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:48.159 on your computer, 00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:49.080 your iPhone, 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:49.960 your iPad. 00:12:50.800 --> 00:12:51.000 Now, 00:12:51.060 --> 00:12:52.360 if you've never done that before, 00:12:53.100 --> 00:12:54.480 I want to encourage you, 00:12:54.740 --> 00:12:56.259 email Jeff Rafferty. 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:59.000 Email Jeff here at the church 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:00.340 and let him know 00:13:00.340 --> 00:13:01.600 you would like to have access 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:02.379 to online 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:03.620 or to Right Now Media 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:05.299 and he can send you a link 00:13:05.299 --> 00:13:06.960 that will get you started 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:07.620 immediately. 00:13:07.899 --> 00:13:08.319 Or, 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:09.539 there is information 00:13:09.539 --> 00:13:10.939 in this week's newsletter. 00:13:11.659 --> 00:13:13.580 The March the 22nd newsletter. 00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:14.639 One that was mailed 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:16.580 to your home this weekend. 00:13:17.019 --> 00:13:18.580 It's also available online. 00:13:18.700 --> 00:13:19.399 Just go online, 00:13:19.500 --> 00:13:20.299 look at the newsletter 00:13:20.299 --> 00:13:21.100 and there's information 00:13:21.100 --> 00:13:22.340 how you can start looking 00:13:22.340 --> 00:13:24.539 at these resources, 00:13:24.799 --> 00:13:26.080 these helpful resources. 00:13:26.259 --> 00:13:28.120 on Right Now Media 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:29.120 Right Now. 00:13:29.939 --> 00:13:31.259 But having a close relationship 00:13:31.259 --> 00:13:31.720 with the Lord, 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:36.159 that makes it natural 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:39.679 to automatically turn to Him 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:41.500 in a time of crisis. 00:13:42.319 --> 00:13:43.299 Make sure 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:45.939 that this weekend 00:13:45.939 --> 00:13:48.279 you get serious with the Lord. 00:13:49.120 --> 00:13:50.539 Draw close to Him. 00:13:51.679 --> 00:13:52.860 And the Scripture tells us 00:13:52.860 --> 00:13:54.439 as we draw near to Him, 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:56.760 He will draw near to us. 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:58.300 The second lesson 00:13:58.300 --> 00:13:58.940 I want us to see 00:13:58.940 --> 00:14:00.160 from John chapter 11 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:00.720 is this. 00:14:01.180 --> 00:14:02.460 Whenever you face a crisis, 00:14:03.020 --> 00:14:04.200 trust the Lord. 00:14:04.560 --> 00:14:05.660 Now trusting the Lord 00:14:05.660 --> 00:14:06.780 involves more than just 00:14:06.780 --> 00:14:07.920 turning to Him 00:14:07.920 --> 00:14:08.960 or calling out to Him 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:09.400 in prayer. 00:14:10.760 --> 00:14:11.520 Here's what I mean 00:14:11.520 --> 00:14:12.680 by trusting the Lord. 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:13.340 First, 00:14:13.940 --> 00:14:14.980 trust that God 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:15.860 is in control. 00:14:16.760 --> 00:14:18.000 Martha believed this. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.600 She had absolutely 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:20.600 no doubts. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.419 That's why she turned 00:14:22.419 --> 00:14:22.879 to Jesus 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:23.799 and said this 00:14:23.799 --> 00:14:25.379 in verses 21 and 22. 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:26.159 Lord, 00:14:26.820 --> 00:14:27.940 if you had been here, 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:29.379 my brother would not 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:30.139 have died. 00:14:30.340 --> 00:14:31.299 But even now, 00:14:31.440 --> 00:14:32.240 I know 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:33.679 that whatever you ask 00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:34.340 from God, 00:14:34.740 --> 00:14:36.620 God will give you. 00:14:38.820 --> 00:14:39.419 Martha 00:14:39.419 --> 00:14:41.500 may have heard Jesus 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:42.720 on another occasion 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:46.019 explain in very simple terms 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:48.160 how God controls 00:14:48.160 --> 00:14:50.040 everything in this world. 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:52.139 Look at what Jesus said 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:53.480 in Matthew chapter 10. 00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:54.779 He said, 00:14:55.460 --> 00:14:57.399 Are not two sparrows 00:14:57.399 --> 00:14:59.180 sold for a penny? 00:15:00.040 --> 00:15:01.240 And not one of them 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:02.720 will fall to the ground 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:04.920 apart from your father. 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:07.639 Jesus is talking about 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:10.580 a lowly, insignificant sparrow. 00:15:10.580 --> 00:15:13.420 He is saying 00:15:13.420 --> 00:15:15.639 that not even a sparrow dies. 00:15:15.860 --> 00:15:17.460 Not even a sparrow dies 00:15:17.460 --> 00:15:18.520 and falls to the ground 00:15:18.520 --> 00:15:21.200 apart from God's will, 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:23.500 from God's plan. 00:15:25.060 --> 00:15:25.320 Now, 00:15:25.560 --> 00:15:27.020 I think it's important 00:15:27.020 --> 00:15:27.840 that we understand 00:15:27.840 --> 00:15:29.100 the point that Jesus 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:29.820 was making 00:15:29.820 --> 00:15:31.620 when he made that comment 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:33.160 about God being in control 00:15:33.160 --> 00:15:34.580 through the death 00:15:34.580 --> 00:15:35.379 of a sparrow even. 00:15:36.320 --> 00:15:37.820 Jesus was saying that 00:15:37.820 --> 00:15:40.480 to calm fears 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:42.879 He was trying to 00:15:42.879 --> 00:15:44.100 help people not worry, 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:45.080 not be anxious. 00:15:45.920 --> 00:15:47.300 He was trying to let people know 00:15:47.300 --> 00:15:48.680 that God not only 00:15:48.680 --> 00:15:49.259 is in control, 00:15:49.360 --> 00:15:50.100 but God cares. 00:15:50.420 --> 00:15:51.080 Look at this. 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:52.720 It's the verse after, 00:15:52.800 --> 00:15:53.659 the two verses after 00:15:53.659 --> 00:15:54.279 verse 29, 00:15:54.420 --> 00:15:54.920 verse 31. 00:15:55.659 --> 00:15:56.600 Fear not, therefore, 00:15:57.440 --> 00:15:59.060 you are of more value 00:15:59.060 --> 00:16:01.379 than many sparrows. 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.519 It's important for us 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.080 to understand 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.700 that God is in control. 00:16:06.440 --> 00:16:07.500 But that's not enough. 00:16:07.500 --> 00:16:10.879 We need to have confidence 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:12.639 that our Lord 00:16:12.639 --> 00:16:14.659 and our Heavenly Father 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:17.279 care about us. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.919 Look at this. 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:21.720 Trust that God cares for you. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:23.539 Mary and Martha 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.379 saw firsthand 00:16:25.379 --> 00:16:26.960 just how much 00:16:26.960 --> 00:16:28.580 the Lord cared for them 00:16:28.580 --> 00:16:30.019 during their time 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:30.500 of grief, 00:16:32.000 --> 00:16:32.500 this crisis 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:33.980 brought on by 00:16:33.980 --> 00:16:34.779 their brother's death. 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:36.179 I want you to look with me. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.639 We're still in John 11, 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:39.100 verses 32 through 35. 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:40.779 It says, 00:16:40.939 --> 00:16:42.000 Now when Mary came 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:42.779 to where Jesus was 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:44.339 and saw Him, 00:16:44.899 --> 00:16:46.159 she fell at His feet, 00:16:46.319 --> 00:16:47.139 saying to Him, 00:16:47.480 --> 00:16:47.759 Lord, 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:50.199 if You had been here, 00:16:50.839 --> 00:16:52.639 my brother would not have died. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:55.539 When Jesus saw her weeping, 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:57.339 and the Jews who had come 00:16:57.339 --> 00:16:58.980 with her also weeping, 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:00.779 He was deeply moved 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:02.579 in His spirit 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:04.079 and greatly troubled. 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:05.519 And He said, 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:07.220 Where have You laid Him? 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:09.620 And they said to Him, 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.039 Lord, 00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:11.360 come and see. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.519 Jesus wept. 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:18.299 That helps us to see 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.259 that when we are hurting, 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:23.259 the Lord hurts with us. 00:17:24.539 --> 00:17:26.039 Whenever a crisis occurs 00:17:26.039 --> 00:17:26.900 in your life, 00:17:27.400 --> 00:17:28.319 you can be assured 00:17:28.319 --> 00:17:29.319 as a child of God, 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:32.319 you are not alone. 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:36.599 The Lord is our faithful shepherd. 00:17:37.439 --> 00:17:38.639 He walks with us 00:17:38.639 --> 00:17:39.460 through the valleys 00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:41.559 of life and death. 00:17:42.939 --> 00:17:43.220 You know, 00:17:43.579 --> 00:17:45.019 during this time 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:46.379 of a national crisis, 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:48.619 I think it might be 00:17:48.619 --> 00:17:50.199 helpful, comforting 00:17:50.199 --> 00:17:51.240 to all of us 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.699 to take some time 00:17:52.699 --> 00:17:55.240 to just read slowly 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:57.500 through Psalm 23 00:17:57.500 --> 00:18:00.180 and to make it personal. 00:18:00.980 --> 00:18:02.119 Make it personal 00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:02.960 as you read, 00:18:03.279 --> 00:18:03.880 The Lord 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:05.980 is my shepherd. 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:08.200 And let it sink in 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:09.700 and take comfort 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:12.160 from His words 00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.539 of comfort. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.240 Let's look at one more 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.460 reason for trusting God 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:17.400 in a time of crisis. 00:18:17.960 --> 00:18:19.440 Trust that God is working 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:21.180 according to His good purpose. 00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:22.640 You know, 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:23.860 Jesus did not prevent 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:25.500 the death of Lazarus. 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:27.960 Even though it caused pain 00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:30.140 to His friends, 00:18:30.279 --> 00:18:31.700 Mary and Martha, 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:34.140 their hearts were broken 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:36.180 because their brother died. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:38.299 But Jesus knew 00:18:38.299 --> 00:18:39.980 that God the Father 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:42.480 planned the death 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.440 of Lazarus 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.860 for a purpose. 00:18:45.860 --> 00:18:46.799 Look at this 00:18:46.799 --> 00:18:48.740 in verse 5 of John 11. 00:18:48.740 --> 00:18:50.160 Jesus said, 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.839 It is for the glory of God 00:18:51.839 --> 00:18:53.480 so that the Son of God 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:54.620 may be glorified 00:18:54.620 --> 00:18:55.680 through it. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:57.579 I want us to think 00:18:57.579 --> 00:18:58.259 for just a moment 00:18:58.259 --> 00:19:00.880 how both God the Father 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:01.700 and the Son 00:19:01.700 --> 00:19:03.240 were glorified 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:04.900 through the death 00:19:04.900 --> 00:19:05.759 of Lazarus. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:06.740 First, 00:19:07.799 --> 00:19:10.160 Jesus raised Lazarus 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.319 from the dead. 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:12.799 Look at this. 00:19:12.839 --> 00:19:14.620 It's in verses 43 and 44. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:15.920 When He had said 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.539 these things, 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.240 He cried out 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.059 with a loud voice, 00:19:18.059 --> 00:19:19.299 Lazarus, 00:19:19.519 --> 00:19:20.440 come out. 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:22.480 The man who had died 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:23.440 came out, 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.940 his hands and feet 00:19:24.940 --> 00:19:26.460 bound with linen strips 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:27.559 and his face 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:28.779 wrapped with a cloth. 00:19:29.480 --> 00:19:30.419 Jesus said to them, 00:19:30.579 --> 00:19:31.500 Unbind him 00:19:31.500 --> 00:19:32.639 and let him go. 00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:36.359 Jesus brought 00:19:36.359 --> 00:19:37.519 this dead man 00:19:37.519 --> 00:19:38.339 to life 00:19:38.339 --> 00:19:40.119 before all these people. 00:19:40.679 --> 00:19:41.059 Truly, 00:19:41.359 --> 00:19:41.779 God, 00:19:41.899 --> 00:19:42.960 the power of God 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:44.639 was made known, 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:45.200 visible, 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:45.839 right there 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:46.700 before their eyes. 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:48.259 Both God the Father 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:48.860 and Jesus 00:19:48.860 --> 00:19:49.960 who called him forth 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:51.660 received much glory 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:53.120 for their power 00:19:53.120 --> 00:19:54.600 in bringing 00:19:54.600 --> 00:19:56.100 back from the dead 00:19:56.100 --> 00:19:57.240 this man, 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:57.980 Lazarus. 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.180 The scripture 00:19:59.180 --> 00:20:00.200 goes on to tell us 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:01.059 that as a result 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:02.200 of what Jesus did, 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:03.220 many people 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:04.120 believed in Jesus. 00:20:04.580 --> 00:20:05.500 In verse 45, 00:20:05.880 --> 00:20:06.740 many of the Jews, 00:20:06.900 --> 00:20:07.140 therefore, 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.240 who had come 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.000 with Mary 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.019 and had seen 00:20:10.019 --> 00:20:10.880 what he did 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:12.539 believed in him. 00:20:12.539 --> 00:20:14.579 they saw 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:15.700 the power of God 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:16.279 at work 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:17.920 and God not only 00:20:17.920 --> 00:20:18.659 worked to bring 00:20:18.659 --> 00:20:19.799 Lazarus back 00:20:19.799 --> 00:20:20.539 from the grave, 00:20:21.000 --> 00:20:22.359 in that experience, 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:22.980 in that time 00:20:22.980 --> 00:20:23.639 among those people, 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.920 God worked 00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:26.019 in their lives 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:27.279 to open 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.579 their spiritual eyes 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:29.859 and to call them 00:20:29.859 --> 00:20:31.119 to faith in Jesus 00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:32.700 right then, 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.319 right there. 00:20:34.399 --> 00:20:35.279 We need to have 00:20:35.279 --> 00:20:35.879 confidence 00:20:35.879 --> 00:20:37.460 that God 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:38.740 is in control, 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:40.720 that he cares 00:20:40.720 --> 00:20:41.839 for us 00:20:41.839 --> 00:20:43.319 and that he works 00:20:43.319 --> 00:20:44.019 in everything 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:45.759 for his glory. 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.980 But that's not all. 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:49.579 We also need 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.299 to have confidence 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:51.059 that God works 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:51.839 in all things 00:20:51.839 --> 00:20:53.200 for the ultimate 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:53.980 good 00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:55.440 of his people. 00:20:56.740 --> 00:20:57.579 The Apostle Paul 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:59.000 assures us of this 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.220 in one of my favorite 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.400 verses in all the Bible. 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.140 It's in Romans 8, 28. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.299 He says, 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:04.740 and we know 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.740 that in all things 00:21:05.740 --> 00:21:06.579 God works 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:07.099 for the good 00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:08.279 of those who love him, 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:09.599 who've been called 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:10.759 according to his purpose. 00:21:11.559 --> 00:21:12.299 I can't think 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:12.740 of anything 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:13.740 more comforting 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.500 to me 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:17.279 as a child of God 00:21:17.279 --> 00:21:18.619 as I go through 00:21:18.619 --> 00:21:19.359 this time 00:21:19.359 --> 00:21:22.160 of national crisis 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:24.139 than this promise. 00:21:25.240 --> 00:21:25.899 Paul said it 00:21:25.899 --> 00:21:26.660 in the context 00:21:26.660 --> 00:21:27.500 of talking about 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:29.700 Christians' suffering. 00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:31.740 Back up in Romans 18, 00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:32.660 he said this, 00:21:32.920 --> 00:21:33.539 for I consider 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:34.660 that the sufferings 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.839 of this present time 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:37.339 are not worth comparing 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.299 with the glory 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.559 that is to be revealed 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.720 to us. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.579 This is a time 00:21:42.579 --> 00:21:43.179 of suffering 00:21:43.179 --> 00:21:43.779 right now 00:21:43.779 --> 00:21:44.619 worldwide. 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:46.939 Many people 00:21:46.939 --> 00:21:47.599 are suffering 00:21:47.599 --> 00:21:48.379 throughout the world. 00:21:48.619 --> 00:21:49.059 Many people 00:21:49.059 --> 00:21:49.619 are suffering 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:50.599 in this country 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.959 including Christians. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:54.019 Christians are suffering 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.919 physically, 00:21:55.859 --> 00:21:56.579 emotionally, 00:21:57.459 --> 00:21:58.159 financially, 00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.539 socially, 00:21:59.539 --> 00:22:01.720 and in other ways. 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:03.680 There is absolutely 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:04.859 nothing good 00:22:04.859 --> 00:22:06.460 about this crisis 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:07.059 that we're going 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:07.720 through right now 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.680 in our country. 00:22:09.639 --> 00:22:11.119 But God is working 00:22:11.119 --> 00:22:11.879 in the midst 00:22:11.879 --> 00:22:13.440 of this awful crisis 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:15.579 for ultimate good 00:22:15.579 --> 00:22:16.279 in the lives 00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.000 of his people. 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:19.220 One of the ways 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:20.119 God is working 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:21.519 is to develop 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:22.819 Christ-like character 00:22:22.819 --> 00:22:24.059 in us, 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:25.460 his children. 00:22:26.059 --> 00:22:26.740 Look at this 00:22:26.740 --> 00:22:28.240 from Romans 8, 29. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:29.519 For those 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.460 whom he foreknew, 00:22:30.900 --> 00:22:32.539 he also predestined 00:22:32.539 --> 00:22:34.039 to be conformed 00:22:34.039 --> 00:22:35.059 to the image 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:36.039 of his Son. 00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:37.900 God is working 00:22:37.900 --> 00:22:39.140 in everything, 00:22:39.620 --> 00:22:40.579 both good 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:41.579 and bad, 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:43.299 to make us 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:44.380 more and more 00:22:44.380 --> 00:22:44.960 like Jesus, 00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.099 to develop 00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:47.519 Christ-like character 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:48.640 in us. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:51.299 We as God's people, 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.259 God's children, 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:54.259 we need to trust 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.519 him as we go 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:56.099 through this time 00:22:56.099 --> 00:22:56.680 of crisis. 00:22:56.680 --> 00:22:58.400 We need to have 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.420 confidence 00:22:59.420 --> 00:23:01.320 that God really 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:02.200 is in control, 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.160 that he really 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:06.000 does care for us, 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:07.940 that he is working 00:23:07.940 --> 00:23:10.220 everything for his glory 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:14.680 and for ultimate good 00:23:14.680 --> 00:23:16.620 in our lives 00:23:16.620 --> 00:23:18.240 as his people. 00:23:19.799 --> 00:23:19.980 You know, 00:23:20.019 --> 00:23:20.740 Mary and Martha 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:22.019 experienced a crisis 00:23:22.019 --> 00:23:24.019 related to the death 00:23:24.019 --> 00:23:25.660 of their brother. 00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:28.059 They responded well. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.039 They are models 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:30.079 of how to respond 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.200 because they 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.759 looked to the Lord 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.400 in faith. 00:23:34.259 --> 00:23:34.859 They truly 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.639 trusted 00:23:35.639 --> 00:23:36.619 him. 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:39.079 But remember, 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:40.819 the Lord didn't make 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:41.960 the crisis go away. 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:44.200 Things got worse 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:46.220 before they got better. 00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:47.799 Lazarus 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:48.900 died. 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:51.039 Mary and Martha 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:51.759 had to deal 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.819 with the pain 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:54.259 and the sorrow 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:56.519 of grief. 00:23:57.079 --> 00:23:58.319 Grief over losing 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.559 their brother. 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.599 But we need 00:24:01.599 --> 00:24:02.480 to always remember 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:04.279 in this story 00:24:04.279 --> 00:24:04.900 and in life, 00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:06.599 God is always 00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:08.259 working in the midst 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.359 of these difficulties 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:11.720 for good. 00:24:12.220 --> 00:24:12.900 He is always 00:24:12.900 --> 00:24:13.640 working according 00:24:13.640 --> 00:24:15.359 to his good 00:24:15.359 --> 00:24:16.200 purpose. 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:19.740 He'll bring good 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.420 from the crises. 00:24:23.220 --> 00:24:23.960 We've already 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:25.019 seen in this passage 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:26.120 both God 00:24:26.120 --> 00:24:26.620 the Father 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:27.720 and the Son 00:24:27.720 --> 00:24:28.859 were glorified. 00:24:29.920 --> 00:24:30.940 Jesus raised 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.779 Lazarus 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.759 from the dead. 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.799 And many people 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.359 believed in Jesus 00:24:36.359 --> 00:24:37.380 as a result 00:24:37.380 --> 00:24:38.359 of this crisis 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.240 and the way 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:40.380 Jesus brought 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:40.819 him back 00:24:40.819 --> 00:24:41.960 to life. 00:24:42.859 --> 00:24:43.180 The Lord 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.839 also worked 00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:45.160 in this experience 00:24:45.160 --> 00:24:46.680 to draw Mary 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.319 and Martha 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:49.380 closer to him. 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:49.940 Now think about 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:50.180 that. 00:24:51.360 --> 00:24:52.140 Their hearts 00:24:52.140 --> 00:24:52.700 were broken. 00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.120 They were grieving 00:24:54.120 --> 00:24:55.420 the death 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.820 of their brother. 00:24:57.940 --> 00:24:58.520 But the way 00:24:58.520 --> 00:24:59.700 Jesus came to them, 00:24:59.800 --> 00:25:00.600 the things he said 00:25:00.600 --> 00:25:01.000 to them, 00:25:01.320 --> 00:25:02.560 the way he responded 00:25:02.560 --> 00:25:03.300 to them, 00:25:04.020 --> 00:25:05.420 it made all the 00:25:05.420 --> 00:25:06.120 difference in the world. 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:08.040 They drew closer 00:25:08.040 --> 00:25:08.580 to him. 00:25:08.740 --> 00:25:09.300 Think about what 00:25:09.300 --> 00:25:09.600 happened. 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:11.420 Jesus walked 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:12.300 with them 00:25:12.300 --> 00:25:13.760 through their 00:25:13.760 --> 00:25:15.680 crisis of grief. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.620 He was there. 00:25:16.900 --> 00:25:17.680 He was with them. 00:25:17.680 --> 00:25:19.779 Jesus even 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.960 wept 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:23.000 with them. 00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:24.880 You know, 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:25.480 that's how 00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:26.400 relationships 00:25:26.400 --> 00:25:27.320 grow deeper. 00:25:27.840 --> 00:25:28.740 We know that. 00:25:29.779 --> 00:25:30.320 Haven't you 00:25:30.320 --> 00:25:31.060 drawn closer 00:25:31.060 --> 00:25:31.539 to people 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.200 who have been 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:34.160 there with you 00:25:34.160 --> 00:25:35.920 during a crisis? 00:25:36.740 --> 00:25:37.640 Or maybe 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:38.400 people who 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.340 shared a special 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:40.420 time of joy 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:41.360 with you. 00:25:41.840 --> 00:25:42.560 It draws you 00:25:42.560 --> 00:25:42.900 closer, 00:25:43.019 --> 00:25:43.440 doesn't it? 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:45.420 Most people 00:25:45.420 --> 00:25:46.400 draw closer 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:47.779 to those 00:25:47.779 --> 00:25:48.120 that they 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:48.740 laugh 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:49.900 and cry 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.580 with. 00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.279 That's why 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:53.080 we need 00:25:53.080 --> 00:25:53.759 to have 00:25:53.759 --> 00:25:55.559 a relationship 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.880 with God 00:25:56.880 --> 00:25:58.380 through faith 00:25:58.380 --> 00:25:58.740 in the Lord 00:25:58.740 --> 00:25:59.080 Jesus. 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.539 If you don't 00:26:00.539 --> 00:26:01.820 have a relationship 00:26:01.820 --> 00:26:02.620 with the Lord 00:26:02.620 --> 00:26:03.259 like that, 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.500 there's no better 00:26:04.500 --> 00:26:05.320 time for you 00:26:05.320 --> 00:26:06.019 to begin one 00:26:06.019 --> 00:26:06.779 than right now, 00:26:07.120 --> 00:26:07.720 this moment. 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.940 If you 00:26:08.940 --> 00:26:09.500 sense your 00:26:09.500 --> 00:26:11.360 need of a 00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:11.720 real, 00:26:12.140 --> 00:26:12.440 true, 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.100 saving 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:13.600 relationship 00:26:13.600 --> 00:26:13.940 with the 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.220 Lord, 00:26:15.860 --> 00:26:16.400 admit to 00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:16.799 God 00:26:16.799 --> 00:26:18.039 your sin. 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.360 Admit your 00:26:20.360 --> 00:26:20.720 selfishness. 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.180 Admit how 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:22.660 you have been 00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.160 living life 00:26:23.160 --> 00:26:23.680 your way 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.120 instead of 00:26:24.120 --> 00:26:24.700 His way. 00:26:25.940 --> 00:26:26.519 Turn from 00:26:26.519 --> 00:26:26.900 your sin. 00:26:27.120 --> 00:26:27.700 Change your 00:26:27.700 --> 00:26:28.100 mind. 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.559 What the 00:26:28.559 --> 00:26:29.079 Bible calls 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:29.640 repent. 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:32.220 Turn from 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:32.660 your sin 00:26:32.660 --> 00:26:32.980 and to 00:26:32.980 --> 00:26:33.500 Jesus. 00:26:34.180 --> 00:26:34.680 Trust that 00:26:34.680 --> 00:26:35.220 when He died 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.480 on the 00:26:35.480 --> 00:26:35.880 cross, 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:36.839 He actually 00:26:36.839 --> 00:26:37.500 paid the 00:26:37.500 --> 00:26:38.539 penalty for 00:26:38.539 --> 00:26:39.140 your sins. 00:26:40.160 --> 00:26:40.539 He took 00:26:40.539 --> 00:26:41.079 the punishment 00:26:41.079 --> 00:26:41.579 that you 00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:42.819 deserve as 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.440 a result of 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:43.839 your sin 00:26:43.839 --> 00:26:44.579 against God. 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.059 Call upon 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:47.720 Jesus right 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.700 now to 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:49.400 save you. 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:50.420 Call upon 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:50.740 Him to 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.539 become your 00:26:51.539 --> 00:26:52.259 Savior. 00:26:53.579 --> 00:26:53.880 Surrender 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:54.680 your life to 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.880 Him right 00:26:55.880 --> 00:26:56.980 now as 00:26:56.980 --> 00:26:57.680 your Lord, 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.680 your King. 00:26:59.279 --> 00:26:59.480 You know, 00:26:59.519 --> 00:26:59.940 if Jesus 00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:02.000 died for 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:02.539 us, if He 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:02.920 gave His 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:03.519 life for 00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:03.980 us, 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:06.099 in response 00:27:06.099 --> 00:27:06.480 as we 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.220 trust Him, 00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:07.940 we should 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.339 give our 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:09.019 lives back 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.539 to Him. 00:27:10.360 --> 00:27:10.819 He is 00:27:10.819 --> 00:27:11.480 trustworthy. 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:12.799 And I 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:13.240 encourage you 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:13.620 to make that 00:27:13.620 --> 00:27:13.940 kind of 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:14.299 commitment 00:27:14.299 --> 00:27:15.339 right now. 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:16.380 If you 00:27:16.380 --> 00:27:16.759 are a 00:27:16.759 --> 00:27:17.079 Christian, 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.400 but you've 00:27:18.400 --> 00:27:18.940 drifted away 00:27:18.940 --> 00:27:19.259 from the 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:19.500 Lord, 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:20.759 as I've 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.240 talked about 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:21.740 having a 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:22.440 real close 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.039 relationship 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:24.240 with God 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:24.740 earlier in 00:27:24.740 --> 00:27:25.440 this message, 00:27:26.440 --> 00:27:27.640 it bothers 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.220 you to know 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.720 that you 00:27:28.720 --> 00:27:29.500 don't have 00:27:29.500 --> 00:27:29.940 that kind 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.319 of fellowship 00:27:31.319 --> 00:27:32.220 and relationship 00:27:32.220 --> 00:27:32.559 with the 00:27:32.559 --> 00:27:32.759 Lord. 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.799 I want to 00:27:33.799 --> 00:27:34.259 encourage you 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:34.779 right now, 00:27:35.700 --> 00:27:36.379 just admit 00:27:36.379 --> 00:27:36.960 to God 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:37.859 that you've 00:27:37.859 --> 00:27:38.599 ignored Him, 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.319 you've 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:40.160 drifted away, 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.240 or if you've 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.859 rebelled, 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.299 admit it, 00:27:43.720 --> 00:27:44.480 confess your 00:27:44.480 --> 00:27:44.839 sin, 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.420 turn from 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:46.559 it, 00:27:46.700 --> 00:27:47.059 repent, 00:27:47.680 --> 00:27:48.359 come back 00:27:48.359 --> 00:27:48.640 to the 00:27:48.640 --> 00:27:48.900 Lord, 00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:50.000 trusting Him, 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:51.579 resting in 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:51.900 Him, 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:53.019 knowing that 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:54.079 through His 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:54.519 death on the 00:27:54.519 --> 00:27:54.819 cross, 00:27:54.920 --> 00:27:55.259 the penalty 00:27:55.259 --> 00:27:55.700 for your 00:27:55.700 --> 00:27:57.000 sins have 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:57.559 been paid. 00:27:58.140 --> 00:27:58.660 Trust that 00:27:58.660 --> 00:27:59.140 through faith 00:27:59.140 --> 00:27:59.579 in Him, 00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.579 His perfect 00:28:00.579 --> 00:28:01.099 life is 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:01.720 credited to 00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:02.039 you. 00:28:03.079 --> 00:28:03.640 That's why 00:28:03.640 --> 00:28:04.220 God can 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:04.940 accept us 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:05.740 because when 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.059 we are 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.819 trusting Christ, 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:07.259 we become 00:28:07.259 --> 00:28:07.860 one with 00:28:07.860 --> 00:28:08.100 Him. 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.519 He accepts 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.319 Christ's 00:28:10.319 --> 00:28:11.100 perfect life 00:28:11.100 --> 00:28:12.039 and His 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:12.700 death on 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.240 the cross 00:28:13.240 --> 00:28:14.680 as ours, 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:15.420 His death 00:28:15.420 --> 00:28:15.839 to sin 00:28:15.839 --> 00:28:17.000 as ours. 00:28:18.740 --> 00:28:19.019 You know, 00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:19.660 right now, 00:28:20.180 --> 00:28:21.640 we all need 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:21.940 to take 00:28:21.940 --> 00:28:22.819 responsibility 00:28:22.819 --> 00:28:23.839 to do 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:24.319 what we 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:25.380 can to 00:28:25.380 --> 00:28:26.019 stay healthy, 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:27.420 to help 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:28.059 others, 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.180 and to 00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:29.819 stop the 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:30.360 spread of 00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:30.940 the coronavirus, 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.420 by listening 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:32.860 to our 00:28:32.860 --> 00:28:33.640 state and 00:28:33.640 --> 00:28:34.160 national 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:34.539 leaders. 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.860 This is 00:28:35.860 --> 00:28:36.680 important. 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.460 And at 00:28:38.460 --> 00:28:38.900 the same 00:28:38.900 --> 00:28:39.460 time, 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:41.779 as God's 00:28:41.779 --> 00:28:42.140 people, 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:43.980 let's make 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:44.840 sure that we 00:28:44.840 --> 00:28:46.460 do turn to 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:46.840 the Lord, 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:48.420 trust Him, 00:28:49.200 --> 00:28:49.860 and rest in 00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:50.400 the fact that 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:51.380 God is 00:28:51.380 --> 00:28:52.039 great. 00:28:53.100 --> 00:28:53.539 God is 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:54.000 sovereign. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.500 God is in 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.080 control. 00:28:56.079 --> 00:28:58.039 God is 00:28:58.039 --> 00:28:59.079 good. 00:28:59.079 --> 00:28:59.720 God is 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:00.319 good. 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.839 God is 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.480 good. 00:29:02.439 --> 00:29:02.899 He is 00:29:02.899 --> 00:29:03.480 working out 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:04.019 His good 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:05.299 purpose right 00:29:05.299 --> 00:29:06.899 now, even 00:29:06.899 --> 00:29:07.419 in the midst 00:29:07.419 --> 00:29:07.779 of this 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:10.399 crisis, in 00:29:10.399 --> 00:29:11.079 your life 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:11.939 and in my 00:29:11.939 --> 00:29:13.419 life as 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.240 His children. 00:29:15.199 --> 00:29:15.980 Let's go to 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.439 the Lord in 00:29:16.439 --> 00:29:16.960 prayer now. 00:29:17.199 --> 00:29:17.559 Would you pray 00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:17.980 with me? 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:21.039 Father, thank 00:29:21.039 --> 00:29:22.900 You for 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:25.400 Your Word, for 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.599 these examples 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:30.420 of believers 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:32.480 who responded 00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.599 to a crisis 00:29:33.599 --> 00:29:35.460 by looking to 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:36.640 You and 00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:37.519 trusting You. 00:29:38.660 --> 00:29:39.420 Help us, 00:29:39.660 --> 00:29:40.700 Lord, to do 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:41.180 the same. 00:29:41.180 --> 00:29:43.840 Lord, show 00:29:43.840 --> 00:29:44.220 us this 00:29:44.220 --> 00:29:45.860 morning how 00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:46.420 we need to 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:46.940 respond. 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:50.060 Show those 00:29:50.060 --> 00:29:50.519 who do not 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:51.200 know Christ as 00:29:51.200 --> 00:29:51.660 their Lord and 00:29:51.660 --> 00:29:53.140 Savior their 00:29:53.140 --> 00:29:53.900 need. 00:29:55.220 --> 00:29:55.840 Convict them 00:29:55.840 --> 00:29:56.500 of their sin. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:58.240 Call them to 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:59.180 true faith in 00:29:59.180 --> 00:29:59.500 Jesus. 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:01.640 Save them 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:02.240 today, we 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:02.600 pray. 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:04.620 And Lord, we 00:30:04.620 --> 00:30:05.120 pray that You 00:30:05.120 --> 00:30:05.539 will work in 00:30:05.539 --> 00:30:06.120 the life of 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:06.820 Christians who 00:30:06.820 --> 00:30:08.740 are not 00:30:08.740 --> 00:30:09.340 close to You 00:30:09.340 --> 00:30:09.880 right now. 00:30:11.180 --> 00:30:12.160 give them a 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:14.440 true desire, a 00:30:14.440 --> 00:30:15.320 hunger and a 00:30:15.320 --> 00:30:16.740 thirst for 00:30:16.740 --> 00:30:17.740 closer fellowship 00:30:17.740 --> 00:30:18.539 with You. 00:30:19.460 --> 00:30:20.299 Draw them to 00:30:20.299 --> 00:30:20.880 You, Father. 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:22.960 And Lord, I 00:30:22.960 --> 00:30:23.420 pray that You 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:23.920 will encourage 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:24.640 Christians who 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:25.799 are seeking to 00:30:25.799 --> 00:30:27.080 walk with You. 00:30:27.420 --> 00:30:28.039 They're seeking 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:28.960 to be faithful. 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:32.120 Lord, help 00:30:32.120 --> 00:30:33.320 them, help 00:30:33.320 --> 00:30:35.860 all of us to 00:30:35.860 --> 00:30:38.500 be models in 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:39.220 our community, 00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:40.299 among our 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:40.900 family members 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:41.620 and friends, 00:30:42.400 --> 00:30:42.780 of how 00:30:42.780 --> 00:30:44.160 Christians face 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:46.259 a crisis by 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:46.920 looking to 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.300 You, trusting 00:30:48.300 --> 00:30:50.200 You, and 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:51.080 also seeking to 00:30:51.080 --> 00:30:51.900 be the best 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:53.920 neighbors and 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:54.820 citizens that we 00:30:54.820 --> 00:30:56.080 can by 00:30:56.080 --> 00:30:56.940 cooperating with 00:30:56.940 --> 00:30:57.900 our national and 00:30:57.900 --> 00:30:58.900 state leaders 00:30:58.900 --> 00:31:00.180 and doing 00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:01.400 everything possible 00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:03.240 to bring about 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:05.259 an end to 00:31:05.259 --> 00:31:05.900 this global 00:31:06.519 --> 00:31:07.160 pandemic. 00:31:07.160 --> 00:31:07.300 pandemic. 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.140 And it's in 00:31:09.140 --> 00:31:10.060 Jesus' name we 00:31:10.060 --> 00:31:10.480 pray. 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:11.860 Amen.