Day 45: Dangerous

Read: John 11:1-16

“God doesn’t call us to be safe.” I will never forget those words a pastor spoke to me when I was a freshman in high school. Those words stuck with me. I decided that day that I was going to follow God no matter the cost. 

When applying to colleges, I narrowed it down to two top schools: Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago and another in a small farm town in Ohio. I grew up in a small farm town. The Ohio school seemed familiar and comfortable, but I felt God calling me to Chicago. I had no idea why. Chicago is known for being dangerous. I was reminded of that almost every time I said I was moving to Chicago for school. Over the last two years in the city, there have been many scary moments, but I never doubted that this is where I am supposed to be. 

Jesus was just in Judea and fled because the people there sought to stone Him. He was now safe across the Jordan River from these people. Then He heard His friend Lazarus in Judea was sick. After two days, He decided to go back despite the danger. His disciples warned of the danger to which He replied, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:9).

The walking in light refers to knowing God’s will and the darkness is not knowing God’s will. Jesus knew this was a part of God’s plan. He knew He had to wait two days so that Lazarus would die. This was important so that Jesus could raise Him up from the dead rather than just heal him. The raising of Lazarus was necessary so that Jesus’ power over death could be shown to His disciples. Raising Lazarus pointed to the upcoming resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 

Lazarus was a key component in God’s plan. Jesus knew that, so the decision to go back to Judea was simple for Him. The danger was worth it because God’s plan was His priority. In verse 16, John writes,  “So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him.’” This statement was probably ironic, yet it is still true. We must be willing to follow God no matter the consequences. 

Are you fully committed to God? Are you willing to follow Him even if it is dangerous? Have you accepted God’s plan for your life? Take time to pray, telling God you are fully committed and asking Him to make His plan for your life clear.