* Article was published in the January edition of The Herald; a monthly publication of Green Hill Baptist Church.
When
He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come
forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings,
and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him,
and let him go.” (John 11:43-44 NASB)
Happy
New Year! It’s hard to believe that we’re standing on the threshold of a new
year. I’ve often said that time seems to speed up with age. As a child, years
look like mile markers; as an adult, they look more like pickets on a fence! It
seems like yesterday that we were shopping, wrapping and exchanging gifts for
last Christmas. Time truly is a commodity that we don’t want to waste or take
for granted. Perhaps, that’s one of the more prominent thoughts occupying my
mind as we start a new year. I want to encourage us to take advantage of every
moment that God gives to us – making sure that we are following Him obediently
and serving Him faithfully.
There
is often a lot of excitement and anticipation as a new year begins. In a sense,
we get to hit the reset button and look ahead to new opportunities and adventures.
The story of Lazarus comes to mind when I think of a new year – a new
beginning. In a sense, we need to wrap up and bury the past. It’s helpful to
remember and learn from it, but we should avoid allowing it to bind us and hold
us back from experiencing the new things God has for us. This reminds us of the
transforming work of the gospel, whereby we die to sin, but are resurrected to
new life in Christ. Lazarus went from resting in the tomb in John 11, to
reclining at the table with Jesus in John 12. The gospel is the good news of
Jesus, who came so that sinners could go from the tomb to the table.
Friends,
God has set the table for us in 2016. He is a good God and He much in store for
us individually and corporately. Let me note several things that I believe God
wants to do within the hearts and lives of His Church at Green Hill.
- He wants us to
grow in our wisdom and knowledge of His Word; to be more committed to corporate
worship and Bible Study.
- He wants to
cultivate within us a deeper hunger and thirst for righteousness; to be more
intentional in living holy and pure lives before Him.
- He wants us to give
more sacrificially and cheerfully of our time, talents and treasures for the
purpose of advancing His kingdom. For some, tithing and giving regularly will
be a new commitment. For the Christian, giving is not a dutiful option but a
loving obligation. We give as unto the Lord and He is worthy of everything!
Church,
let’s unbind our lives. Let’s free them from the past, so that we can receive
the new things that are coming forth in the future. Again, Happy New Year!
Loving
and Serving Him Together,
Pastor
Brett
