© 13 Colin Melbourne
He Said it: We Believe it
There is no haste, panic, or doubt, when Bible faith is in action: Real faith has equilibrium; a dignified poise.
Believers know they already have what they believe.
The Holy Ghost declares this divine principle in 1 Jn. 5:13-15 KJV;
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
For a practical illustration, read John chapter 11 in the Spirit, where Christ demonstrates the point of this message perfectly.
Graveyard Resurrection
Notice, He wept at the tomb of Lazarus, Jn. 11:35-36 KJV;
Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
But He wasn’t weeping for love of dead Lazarus, as onlooking Jews supposed.
Nor was He trying to move Father by tears, as believers today habitually attempt. Jn. 11:33 KJV;
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled…
Jesus groaned, was troubled and wept because they hadn’t faith in Him. They’d not understood, or believed, that Father would endorse Christ’s every word. Martha got closest to the truth in verses 21-22;
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Faith Has No Doubt
But her words were washed away by tears when faced with stone-cold death at the tomb: Grief overcame her faith.
Let’s not make Him groan, weep, or be troubled: We will believe, and obey God’s word as He expects us to.
We follow the One who declared, Mk. 10:27 KJV;
With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Jesus knew Father would raise Lazarus, long before He commanded the dead man to arise.
The reason He prayed publicly was for the benefit of unbelieving spectators. Jn. 11:41-42 KJV;
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
The resurrection miracle is wonderful, but don’t miss this pearl, and the tenses;
Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always:
Jesus had already got the situation sorted whilst Lazarus lay dying.
Remember how He was aware, but waited until Lazarus had died (Jn. 11:5-6).
Mary and Martha were understandably flapping as they watched their brother’s life ebb away.
Jesus wasn’t stressed, He pressed close to Father, received God’s instructions, and was poised.
He didn’t instruct Father what to do.
Have you ever been dismayed because God didn’t do what you wanted Him to?
You’ll never be dismayed if, instead of instructing God, you ask humbly; Ac. 9:6 KJV;
Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?
He always answers the prayers of His obedient meek children.
It’s when you’ll hear God’s Voice, know His will, and start to develop the poise of faith.
Let’s begin right now.
The Complete Teachings of Smith Wigglesworth: Smith learned the lesson of Lazarus’ resurrection: How to have faith in Christ. A dozen dead were raised to life in his ministry. The most touching is when he relates raising his wife “Polly” from death. You will be deeply moved, and inspired.
© 13 Colin Melbourne
