Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11v16 NIV)

They only saw the world through their own eyes. 

Influenced by what they saw, heard and felt. 

That is normal but when you meet Jesus everything changes. 

What used to make sense doesn’t any more. 

What seemed mysterious suddenly makes sense. 

This is the work of the Holy Spirit revealing the Kingdom of God to you.

He is revealing reality to you.

A greater reality.

It is like waking up from a dream.

A little disorientating at first.

But there is an invitation to explore. 

An opportunity to know and understand more. 

Don’t shut this down and walk away. 

Enter in and enjoy all the benefits of His kingdom. 

There is no better place, no matter what people think or tell you.

In Jesus there is hope and there is a real future.

You just need to let go to embrace that reality.

His reality sees death so differently.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. (John 11v13 NIV)

Isn’t it interesting that even though they actually heard His words and the intonation of His voice, yet they still misunderstood.
There is something in this exchange that is significant.
It would leave a lasting impression on them.
It was as if Jesus was not really talking to them.
Sounded like a conversation with someone else.
They were used to hearing His parables but this wasn’t a parable.
There shouldn’t be any ambiguity with God.
But there was clearly a misunderstanding.
He said one thing and meant something else.
This was recorded for our benefit.
We are meant to ask questions.
We are meant to ask Him questions.
To clarify before jumping to conclusions.
God seems to say things and do things that make no sense to us.
It feels deliberate.
It offends our logic thinking.
It demands more clarity.
He is bigger than our human reasoning.
Jesus didn’t seem too concerned that He momentarily confused them.
Don’t be offended if what God is doing or saying doesn’t fit in with your mindset.
Why did He say ‘sleep’ and not use the word ‘dead’?
He was clearly going to raise Lazarus from the dead.
He did not just wake up after a long nap!

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” (John 11v11 NIV)

Don’t be put off.

Don’t allow confusion to overwhelm you.

When Jesus speaks to you He can be a little bit cryptic.

He is talking about a greater truth.

He means to show you something profoundly important.

You may wonder why He said what He did.

I do, often.

He is trying to show you what it looks like from His perspective.

His answers often seem to fit another question.

He will answer your questions.

But you have to ask the right questions.

Even if the answer makes no sense, it requires your full attention.

He isn’t logical in the way we would like.

But we are made in His image, He isn’t made in ours.

This is quite different to our western, logical thinking. Nobody thinks like He does.

That is His invitation to you.

Just be willing to ask Him questions.

He doesn’t mind.

It is always better than guessing.

He wants a relationship with you more than anything.

He is your Heavenly Father.

What dad doesn’t want to talk to his children?

He is willing to listen and talk.

Are you?

Learn to dialogue with Him.

He enjoys it more than you think.

He created you to talk, so talk to Him.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” (John 11v10 NIV)

If you are led by your thoughts, feelings and emotions you are being led by something unreliable.

Walking in the light means to walk by the light of the Holy Spirit.

That light is inside of you.

How bright is it?

Has it dimmed?

Has all hope, joy and passion evaporated?

There is only one absolute truth.

There are no certainties except Jesus.

His reality is greater than yours.

He is The Light not a light.

He is The Truth not a truth.

There is hope and His name is Jesus.

He came that you might have life, here and now, in abundance.

Let that light in you burn brightly.

He doesn’t want you in that dark place.

Don’t stumble around in the dark.

Come into the glare of His light.

It will be life to you.

No more stumbling around in the dark.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light”
(John 11v9 NIV)

Jesus was aware of the real dangers.
Yet He wasn’t about to avoid them.
He was led by the Spirit, not by feelings, whether they be fear or pleasure.
He was walking in the light, not allowing the darkness around Him to cause Him to stumble.
There was resistance even from the disciples.
You will inevitably face resistance if you decide to follow Jesus.
Learn to be led by the Holy Spirit.
At all times.
Just don’t expect it to be nice, warm and fuzzy all the time.
He isn’t averse to taking you through dangers or difficulties.
We, by nature, are generally risk-averse.
Are you more acutely aware of what people think than what God thinks?
This needs an honest answer.
You can’t be a man pleaser (including yourself) and please God at the same time.
At some point there is going to be a conflict, an internal one, that will cause you stress.
Be ready to ask Him, “What am I really afraid of?”
Let Him show you.
It will be like being at the cinema.
Whatever He shows you, let your focus be on who God is, not what you aren’t.
Despite what He shows you, He always has a smile for you.
Try to imagine Him smiling at you.
It is better to do it here and now.
Don’t put it off to a later date.
That later date never arrives, it is always late.
Everyone is answerable to Him.
So do it now and get it over with.
He is your creator.
He is a judge as well as a father.
He wants to make judgements in your favour.
Give Him reason to do so.
A way of defining the ‘Fear of God’ is like being more concerned about missing what God has for you than it is of being punished.
As you face each one of your fears ask God to reveal Himself.
See your fear from His perspective.
Be in awe of God.
Every day.
Turn your face away from the problem and look into His face.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” (John 11v8 NIV)

The disciples wondered if Jesus was going to commit suicide.

They knew the dangers He and they faced.

They saw the threats and tried to persuade Him otherwise.

Their comments were an attempt to get Him to change His mind.

Jesus knew exactly what He was doing.

Even if they didn’t.

Your walk with Him is different to anyone else’s.

It is not identical from one person to the next.

He may take you on a journey that seems a very roundabout way.

It may seem random.

You may question His methods.

You may challenge His logic.

Many become angry and bitter.

He is never random.

He is never accidental.

Everything He does has purpose, so don’t ever think He has lost the plot.

You may want to take the shortest route between two points.

That is our logic.

It is a good logic.

The problem with that is that you don’t take into account the spiritual dimension, the heavenly realm.

We can see life as a series of decisions-based logic.

But there is a spiritual dimension to our lives.

For this we need the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

At times you may have to put all your trust in what He shows and tells you.

You will be led by the Holy Spirit.

He is not a repository of gifts which you dip into when you feel like it or need one.

If you are looking for an easy life you will never find one, anywhere.

To follow Jesus, to be led by the Holy Spirit is to go into the unknown.

You have to go willingly and on His terms.

It is a good idea at this point to ask Him what you are going to face if you follow Him.

This is very sobering.

He often doesn’t mince His words.

He will warn you of challenges ahead.

This is not to put fear into you but to prepare you.

Take this time to explore your heart.

Check your motives and address poor attitudes.

Be honest with yourself and Him.

Decide that you are still willing to follow Him no matter what.

You may have to do this often.

Every day.

As often as you face challenges and trials.

Decide that you will follow Him no matter what.

It will be the best decision you could ever make.

But don’t make it lightly.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

and then He said to His disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” (John 11v7 NIV)

After two days He decides it is time.

Did He wait on purpose or was He needed there for those extra two days?

We simply don’t know.

Waiting is part of walking with God.

It isn’t just about you.

Sometimes it is also about others.

God may be waiting for them.

He is patient.

So should we.

Are you willing to wait for others if He is?

Ask Him to help you wait.

To trust and to believe.

Perseverance, patience and persistence are often needed.

Especially when nothing seems to be happening.

Waiting can be hard, so ask Him for the grace to be patient.

This period can be the very best for you.

In that time, turn your affection to Him.

Do this daily and on a constant basis.

Praise Him no matter how you feel.

Your worship of Him isn’t dependent on how you feel.

He may seem take you back to where you started.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days, (John 11v6 NIV)

This seems a strange response. 

Why didn’t He hurry back?

He didn’t just take His time. 

He knew that delaying might upset Mary and Martha. 

He ran the risk that they wouldn’t understand. 

He knew that it was for a greater purpose.

When you pray, is there a delay in getting an answer?

He knows the pain you feel. 

He knows the hurt that can eat away at you. 

He understands that disappointment can stop you enjoying life. 

But He is not apologetic about it.

He never apologised for delaying.

He isn’t being callous. 

He has something better, an upgrade. 

What He has for you is much more wonderful. 

Are you trusting Him?

Is your trust based on how you feel?

If you are still waiting, ask why the delay.

You may have been waiting for a long time for answers to your prayers and requests. 

When you ask Him what is the hold up, you will get an answer.

Just have ears to hear it and not filter it.

Whatever, do not give up. 

Do what He tells you to do, even if it means wait a little longer.

He knows your need and He never forgets.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (John 11v5 NIV)

He loves you just as much.

There is no limit.

He isn’t concerned or impressed with your social or economic background.

He doesn’t favour the successful.

He doesn’t look to the intelligent and the strong.

You are not disqualified if you are not an achiever.

Don’t disqualify yourself.

How much do you love your life?

Ask Him why He made you.

Ask Him how much He loves you.

Write down what He tells you.

Ask Him regularly how much He loves you.

It will take time to fully appreciate it.

It is a process of having it embed it into your DNA.

Re-read regularly what you have written and declare it, every day, out loud.

You can love Him deeply and passionately.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11v4 NIV)

This was Jesus’ declaration of faith.

He was making a statement which appeared not to be true.

Lazarus did die (but not for long).

However, He made it clear that there was a bigger issue here.

He recognised what this event would signify.

Are you willing to allow God to be glorified in and through you?

It may not be comfortable but it will be glorious.

Do you still trust Him even though it looks hopeless?

Ask Him to help you believe and overcome your doubt or uncertainties.

Make a list of what you have given up on.

Ask God to forgive you for doubting.

Ask Him how to persevere.

He never gives up on you.

(from ‘Wipe His Feet with Your Tears’ by Warren George)