November 7th
MINISTRY THAT TOUCHES GOD (Continued)
Ministry should be about bringing the new creation man into full stature in Christ. Now our focus is brought to Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary. Keep in mind that Lazarus represents the fruit of ministry. If ministry does not produce spiritual fruit, it is cumbered and ineffective. Let us see what the Holy Spirit will show concerning Lazarus.
"Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick).
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick." (John 11:1-3)
Lazarus was sick and both sisters or both "ministries" sent word to Jesus. The message emphasized "he whom thou lovest is sick." The word used for sick carries a meaning of a sickness that is in decline where death is imminent. That is the precise condition of man apart from Christ. Because of the Fall, every man is spiritually dead, and despite physical life, the state of sickness persists apart from God. It is so profound that the Lord is reminded of His love for Lazarus. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).
Continued