John 12:1-2 "Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. (2) There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."
This day is set between the day Jesus raised Lazarus from
the dead and the day Jesus would die. They were celebrating the life of
Lazarus. He had been dead, buried, and was now alive again. He was seated
at the table with Jesus, enjoying the wonderfully prepared meal. Notice
something about this passage: "and Martha served." She is no
longer complaining that she has to serve while everyone else is sitting around.
I believe she is gladly serving the One Who is The Resurrection and The Life.
She is gladly serving the one for whom she had just mourned because of his
death.
The work of Jesus in our lives changes the perspective of our service. When we truly realize what Jesus has done for us, service is a joy rather than a toil. Think about the joy that was in this house on this day. I can only imagine the discussion that took place as they sat around that table. Surely there was laughter and a sense of joyous thanksgiving. On that day, they were sitting in heavenly places with Christ Jesus the Lord.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with
Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up
together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"
(Ephesians 2:4-6)
Now let us look at that table once again. This time, place yourself in Lazarus'
seat. Place your name in the last part of John 12:2, "but (your name) was
one of them that sat at the table with him." Yes, that is exactly
what takes place each time we are blessed to be fed by the Word of God. We, who
were dead, now sit together with Christ "in heavenly places" to have
a time of joyous thanksgiving unto the Lord.
I want to leave you today with this suggestion. Each time you enter the House
of God to worship, go with this same approach. You once were dead in trespasses
and sins, but now you are alive in Christ Jesus. You have been raised from the
dead and have so much for which to be thankful. Go to the House of God with the
approach that you are going to sit down for a meal of celebration of
life. Worship will be a joy and will not seem a task.