Shepastor: "Lazarus Dreams..."

John 11:38-41 Again feeling very upset, Jesus came to the tomb. It was a cave with a large stone covering the entrance. He said, "Move the stone away. ”Martha said, “But, Lord, it has been four days since Lazarus died. There will be a bad smell.” Martha was the sister of the dead man. "Then Jesus said to her, 'Remember what I told you? I said that if you believed, you would see God’s divine greatness.' So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you heard me.'" ERV

The prolific Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes raised the question, "What happens to a dream deferred?" We can inquire further, "What happens when stones cover the passage way to our dreams? Is there hope that dead dreams can be revived?"

A Facebook friend recently posted the picture seen at the top of this post. After chuckling a while, I reflected upon its painful truth shared in a comical way. So often pessimists, fear, guilt, relatives and absent friends place stones before the passage way of our dreams. "Tombed up" and deferred for many seasons, often beautiful, possible, remarkable dreams die. How often have individuals shared their dreams and visions only to have them ridiculed, called silly or foolish, pummeled by others.

Be careful with whom you share your dreams. Be prayerful about the individuals with whom you share the hopes, visions and desires God has placed within your spirit. Be discerning about the recommendations and advice you accept, particularly from those who may have become bitter about life. If per chance your dreams are sealed up in a tomb, remember Jesus' words to Martha, "Then Jesus said to her, “Remember what I told you? I said that if you believed, you would see God’s divine greatness.” So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me."ERV

God can show you His divine greatness. Remember that Jesus petitions the Father on our behalf. Remember what Jesus said, that He is the Resurrection and the life... Remember that through Christ, resurrection, not only in eternity, but in our spirits, our dreams and our future is possible. Allow The Lord to call upon individuals in your life to help to roll the stone away. It does not matter how long the dreams have been in the tomb. They are willing and able to move at God's command. "Where are those who will assist me with removing the stone?" You ask? Begin the resurrection conversation with Jesus. Soon you will see them emerge. It begins with your inquiry.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next Wednesday,
In Faith, hope and perseverance,
Pastor Chris