The Teacher Is Here

Daily Reading: John 11

Scripture Focus: The Teacher is here and is calling for you. (John 11.28)

Devotional Thought: There is a tragic story with an incredible ending in John 11.  Jesus’ dear friend Lazarus became seriously ill, and his sisters sent word for Jesus to come and heal him.  Jesus did not come right away, and Lazarus died.  When Jesus finally arrived, he encountered the sisters, stricken with grief.  He spoke first with Martha who went and told Mary, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 

Let those words sink into your heart this morning!  The Teacher is here, and is calling for you!  Here in the midst of our sorrow, our pain, our failure, our rejection, Jesus has arrived!  Do not despair when tragedy comes, for Jesus comes, too! 

One Easter season, our choir sang a song with these lyrics: “No matter where you are, no matter what you face… a brighter dawn awaits.”  Jesus’ resurrection gives us hope in the worst of circumstances. 

I have a dear friend whose testimony was a shining example of that kind of hope.  Diagnosed with lung cancer, he had an unshakeable faith that “Everything is going to be alright.”  Even in the pre-surgery area of the hospital before his surgical biopsy, he was telling his family: “Don’t worry about me.  I’m going to be OK.”  It is true that he was optimistic about the results of the biopsy, but there was something deeper about his statement.  He knew that Jesus was with him, that God had him in his hands, no matter what.  I marveled at his sense of peace.  It is a peace that is based on a Presence: Jesus Christ.

The Teacher is here and is calling for you.  Do what Mary did.  Rise quickly and go to him.

Prayer: Oh, Lord Jesus, how wonderful is your presence!  I rise and run into your arms and receive your love and hope and peace.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 35.22-28

22 You have seen, O LORD; be not silent! O Lord, be not far from me!

23 Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication, for my cause, my God and my Lord!

24 Vindicate me, O LORD, my God, according to your righteousness, and let them not rejoice over me!

25 Let them not say in their hearts, "Aha, our heart's desire!" Let them not say, "We have swallowed him up."

26 Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether who rejoice at my calamity! Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me!

27 Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, "Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!"

28 Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long.