LOVING THE LORD IN RETURN

“There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him” (John 12:2).

The Bible says God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, the Son of God also loves us so much that He died for our sins, so we should not perish, but have eternal life. Today, because of His commitment to love and save us to the uttermost, He lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).

Such a love should not go unappreciated and unreciprocated. Martha, Mary and Lazarus demonstrated how to love the Lord in return by the way they treated Him in our passage for today. First, we see Martha serving with all her strength, making meals for Jesus, showing us that those who love God also work for Him. They spend time and labour in His honour and service to His kingdom, represented on earth by the church.

Next, we see Lazarus, sitting at the table with Jesus, signifying companionship and fellowship. If we love the Lord, we must stay in fellowship with Him through prayer, worship and study of His word. Thirdly, we see Mary, demonstrating that those who love the Lord must also serve Him with their material resources. If you truly love God, these three pictures must feature in communicating your love.

If we know that God loves us so much, and that it was love that made Jesus to die for us, we ought to follow the examples of Martha, Mary and Lazarus to appreciate and reciprocate that love. May our love for God continue to abound in Jesus name. 
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FURTHER BIBLE READING: JOHN 12:1-8.
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EXERCISES
1. What new insight have you gained from the above message? Please write it down in your journal.
2. What would be your prayer points and what are the steps you will take?
3. If you have been blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and loved ones. Tell a friend about what you learned from Today’s Message. Let’s spread the word of God together.

TODAY’S MESSAGE
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