A Daily Devotion for Thursday, November 27

John 11:38-44

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

I had never before noticed that verses 41 and 42 echo the sentiment which is stated so often in the Psalms: I called out to you, and you answered me. Jesus is highlighting this truth for the people at Lazarus’ tomb! This is my life verse, again, this time directly from Jesus! How perfect for Thanksgiving Day. We can all be thankful, every day, no matter the circumstances- God hears us when we call out to him. For that I am truly thankful.

Holy Lord, thank-you for Jesus, for friends and family, and for a day set aside to enjoy one another. Thank you for always hearing us when we call out to you, 🧡🤎💛🧡🤎💛🧡🤎💛 Amen