October 19, 2020 -- John 12:9-11 -- Exposing the Lies

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

John 12:9-11 English Standard Version

Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. It was dramatic proof, a sign that Jesus is Who He said He Is. Jesus is the Son of God in power and the Son of Man—sent to break the chains of sin and brings many sons and daughters to the glory of knowing God the Father. Evil hates anything good. The chief priest, the very person appointed to be the religious leader directing the people of God to pray for and prepare for the coming Messiah (Who is Jesus, the anointed One) refused Jesus. The chief priest wanted to hold on to power and his position.

The Jewish leadership’s refusal to accept Jesus was tragic. It is also classic, sin is never content with a small portion. It will always grow. The Lord of the Rings author Tolkien captured this well with the character of Denethor II, the Steward of Gondor. Denethor refused to acknowledge his overlord, Aragorn who was the rightful Heir of Isildur and therefore rightful claimant to the vacant throne. Denethor would rather pull down the defenses of the kingdom of Gondor than allow Aragorn to return in power and claim his throne.

It is similar to the sinfulness of our current situation. Two weeks of lockdowns have morphed. We are now at the point where we have suffered more than 200 days of lockdowns. The government cannot acknowledge it has over-reached. Rather than admit their faulty policies they are propagating a lie and adding to it. What is incredibly unfortunate, shameful even, is that the general population is going along with this lie. This is not about “saving one life” because abortions continue. Hospitals have been cleared in case Covid-19 cases increase—so that cancer patients, heart patients and those who would normally go to hospitals with health concerns remain undiagnosed and are suffering greatly. When a lie is allowed to take root and go unchallenged the consequences are dire.

Thanks be to God He is in charge. Jesus knew the days of His crucifixion were near. He did not shrink from going to Jerusalem and becoming the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus’ enemies were not able to overturn the work of our Savior-King. We can be sure today as well, though the Denethors of the world do not acknowledge our King, He will be triumphant. Christians are called to be faithful. Gather and pray. Worship and trust. Expose the lies that are being perpetuated—our government is not following “science”, in fact, it has a voodoo-science it follows and its agenda is wholly pagan. Expect there will be repercussions but we will serve the King until His reign is fully revealed and those who endured for His Name’s sake will be rewarded.

What can I, as an ordinary citizen do?

Write your government officials—provincial M.P.P. and federal M.P. and respectfully call for the lockdowns to be ended.

Write Corrections Service Canada and appeal for prisoners to have religious visitors. Incarcerated men and women have been denied long enough. There are “on-site” chaplains, but they cannot see enough people. Those in prison have been denied access to basic rights for so long. When these men and women will eventually be paroled the unjust treatment of our prisoners will have consequences. There are many religious leaders desirous to return to the prisons to offer spiritual care!

Pray. Pray for our government that the lies will be exposed and the government will finally act with integrity.

Ask God to give courage to our Christian leaders across this land who have been timid when courage and boldness is called for. Certainly we can see the mishandling of Covid-19 and the lies which surround it are more exposed than ever, it is not science our government is following, but an agenda of evil and manipulation. Christian leaders are to call this out.

Live with the full assurance we do not need to anxious. Jesus our King has not been caught off guard by these machinations and the devil’s scheming. Jesus will bring history to its culmination, when He returns. Therefore, we as believers, live for Him in defiance of the nonsensical things swirling around us.

Blessed Father, You have instructed us by Your Word and Spirit to test the spirits of the age. We are to call out false prophets and leaders who are acting in ways that are contrary to the rule of Your great Son. The time is short and when You, Jesus, return in all Your glory, Jesus Radiance of the Father’s splendour, it is our longing that governments leaders and neighbours, judges and family members will by then know You. Give us holy courage, as Christian citizens to trust the fact that You, Jesus, have overcome the world. Spirit of Truth move us to live and speak in such a way that the spirit of error, so rooted and dominant in this age, will be exposed. Prepare us, Captain of Salvation, to suffer and endure for Your great Name’s sake so that fellow citizens will forsake the lies of our age and follow You, Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.