Fallen Asleep: Waking Up or Transformation

Biblical Commentary
Fallen Asleep: Waking Up or Transformation

By Dr. JK Woodall

When Jesus arrived at the grave of Lazarus, He told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up” (John 11:11). The disciples, thinking Lazarus was simply resting, responded, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better” (John 11:12). Their misunderstanding was rooted in a limited perspective, one bound by human logic and a natural understanding of death. Yet Jesus, as the Lord, was speaking of something much deeper. To Him, Lazarus was not dead, but alive. Jesus was preparing to reveal a profound truth: in His presence, death is not the end but the beginning of life.

The conversation between Jesus and His disciples is pivotal because it highlights the gap between human perception and divine reality. The disciples struggled to comprehend that, in the hands of the Lord, death could be reversed and transformed into life. Jesus, knowing their confusion, clarified: “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe” (John 11:14-15). He needed them to witness this miracle, not just for Lazarus’ sake, but for their own faith journey.

The Lord’s Perspective: Speaking Life Into Death

As they approached the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus knew His disciples still had difficulty seeing beyond the natural realm. To them, a tomb was a place of finality—a symbol of death. But to Jesus, it was a temporary resting place. When He said Lazarus was “sleeping,” He was speaking from His divine perspective. In His eyes, death was nothing more than sleep, a state from which He could awaken anyone by the power of His word.

Jesus wasn’t simply offering comfort in a moment of grief; He was making a declaration about His authority over life and death. The same Lord who had spoken the world into existence (John 1:1-3) was now speaking life into what appeared to be the ultimate end. His words, however, were more than a command for Lazarus—they were an invitation to the disciples to see beyond the tomb, beyond the grave, and into the life-giving power of God.

The Struggle to See Life in the Tomb

This interaction between Jesus and His disciples foreshadows a greater challenge they would face just days later: seeing life in the tomb of Jesus Himself. If they struggled to comprehend the reality of life at the tomb of Lazarus, how would they understand what would happen at Jesus’ own tomb? The raising of Lazarus was a sign meant to prepare them, yet even then, their human limitations made it difficult for them to grasp the fullness of life that Christ would bring.

Jesus’ miracle at Lazarus’ tomb was not just about calling a man back from the dead—it was about revealing that death is not an obstacle to God’s plan. In fact, death is part of the process of transformation. This event was a prelude to the ultimate victory Jesus would achieve over death in His own resurrection. The disciples’ struggle to see life at Lazarus’ tomb mirrors the challenge we all face when confronted with circumstances that seem beyond hope.

If We Cannot See Life in Lazarus’ Tomb, How Will We See Life in Christ’s?

The tomb of Lazarus was a foreshadowing of another, more significant tomb: the one Jesus Himself would occupy. Jesus knew that if His disciples could not see life in what appeared to be a lifeless situation with Lazarus, they would struggle even more to believe when He lay in His own tomb. Jesus was preparing them, teaching them that the presence of death is not the absence of life. What seems dead to us is alive in the hands of God.

When Jesus stood before Lazarus’ tomb and called out, “Lazarus, come forth,” He wasn’t just performing a miracle; He was demonstrating His mastery over death. The disciples needed to witness this, to understand that life in Christ cannot be extinguished by death. But even after seeing Lazarus rise, they would still find it difficult to fully believe in the resurrection power of Jesus when He Himself was placed in the grave.

It wasn’t until after Jesus rose from His own tomb that the disciples fully grasped the depth of His words. In both cases, the lesson was the same: life, not death, has the final word in the kingdom of God. Just as He called Lazarus forth from the grave, Jesus would rise by His own power, transforming the grave from a symbol of defeat into a gateway to eternal life.

Seeing Life in What Appears Dead

For us today, the lesson remains: we must learn to see life where we perceive death. Jesus continually calls us to look beyond the natural, to see with the eyes of faith. What looks dead—a relationship, a dream, a calling—is not dead to Jesus. He sees life where we see only lifelessness, and He invites us to trust in His ability to bring forth life from even the most hopeless situations.

In the same way that Jesus declared Lazarus to be asleep, He speaks to the dead areas of our lives, saying, “This is not the end; life is still here.” We may struggle, like the disciples, to understand His words, especially when faced with circumstances that seem final. Yet Jesus calls us to believe—to see life, not death, as the final state. When we view our lives through the eyes of Christ, we discover that what we thought was dead is merely sleeping, waiting for the voice of the Lord to call it forth into newness of life.

Conclusion: From Death to Life, From Sleep to Awakening

The story of Lazarus is more than a miracle of resurrection; it is a call to see life in what we may perceive as dead. Jesus, who spoke life into Lazarus’ tomb, would later conquer His own grave, transforming death into life for all who believe. The challenge for us is to open our eyes, to see with faith, and to trust in the life-giving power of Jesus.

As we stand before the tombs in our own lives—places that seem lifeless and beyond hope—let us remember that Jesus does not see death as the final state. To Him, death is sleep, and sleep is an invitation to awaken to the transformation that only He can bring. Just as He called Lazarus from the grave and walked out of His own tomb, He calls us to believe in the life that is always present, even when we can’t yet see it.

Biblical Commentary: Temples Will Fall

 

Biblical Commentary: Temples
By JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Throughout the Bible, temples serve as significant places of worship and the presence of God. Yet, the destruction of three prominent temples—the Temple of Baal-Berith in Judges 9, King Solomon's Temple, and the Second Temple in 70 AD—reveals deep lessons about misplaced faith, judgment, and the ultimate protection we find in Jesus Christ, our Rock and Fortress.

The Destruction of the Baal Temple: A False Security

In Judges 9, the leaders of Shechem sought refuge in the Temple of Baal-Berith, trusting it to shield them from Abimelech’s attack. However, the temple was set ablaze, and all those who ran inside perished. This tragic event illustrates the futility of relying on false gods and idols for protection. The people of Shechem had turned away from the true God and placed their trust in a powerless structure. The fire that consumed them revealed the spiritual emptiness of their choice, showing that misplaced trust leads to destruction.

King Solomon's Temple: Judgment on a Nation

King Solomon’s Temple was a magnificent symbol of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. Yet, when the nation repeatedly turned to idolatry, forsaking their commitment to God, the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The fall of Solomon’s Temple serves as a sobering reminder that even sacred structures cannot protect a people who have abandoned their God. Despite its beauty and grandeur, the temple was consumed because the people’s hearts had strayed far from their covenant with the Lord.

This destruction emphasizes that true faith is not found in external structures but in a living, active relationship with God. The burning of Solomon’s Temple foreshadows the consequences of forsaking God, no matter how great the physical manifestations of our faith may seem.

Jesus’ Prophecy and the Destruction of the Second Temple

In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus warned of the destruction of the Second Temple: “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD, when the Romans destroyed the temple, as recorded by the historian Josephus. Josephus recounts that the people fled into the temple for protection, believing its walls would save them, only to be consumed by fire. Once again, the temple, once thought to provide safety, became a place of judgment.

Jesus' words were not only a prophecy of physical destruction but a warning against the emptiness of religious formalism. The temple, a symbol of God's presence, was no longer enough to protect those who had forsaken true worship and obedience. Their reliance on the external without a heart for God led to ruin.

Jesus Christ: Our Rock and Fortress

While the physical temples in Scripture were destroyed due to misplaced trust, we are reminded through these events that Jesus Christ is our true Rock and Fortress. Just as Moses was placed in the cleft of the rock for protection from the overwhelming glory of God in Exodus 33, we find our protection in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the spiritual rock that accompanied Israel was Christ Himself. Jesus shields us from judgment, covering us with His righteousness and giving us access to God.

Just as Moses found safety in the rock, we are called to stay in Jesus, our firm foundation. He is the Rock in whom we find shelter from the storms of life and the only one who can protect us from the eternal consequences of sin. Trusting in external rituals or structures will lead to destruction, but trusting in Jesus, the Living Rock, leads to life.

Lessons from the Destruction of the Temples

The destruction of the Baal Temple, Solomon's Temple, and the Second Temple shows that placing trust in anything other than God leads to judgment. The people who ran into these physical structures for refuge found death, not safety. These events serve as powerful warnings: we cannot rely on the external without cultivating a true, internal faith in God.

In contrast, through Jesus Christ, we have an eternal Rock and Fortress who will never fail. Temples may fall, but those who stand firm in Christ will endure. He is our protector, and it is in Him alone that we find salvation and refuge. We must stay in Jesus, the One who provides the ultimate protection, and build our lives on His unshakable foundation.

The Word Became Something

 

The Word Became Something

In the beginning was the Word. This Word was with God, and this Word was God. Through Him, everything was made. Yet, in an act of unimaginable love and humility, the Word became something—He became flesh. He chose to lower Himself, stepping down from His divine glory to walk among us, to live as one of us, and to bring us back into the family of God.

In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Here, "the Word" (Logos) refers to Jesus Christ. In John’s Gospel, Logos isn’t just a spoken word; it refers to the eternal expression of God Himself. Just as words are derived from the mind to express thoughts and intentions, Jesus is the true Logos—the ultimate expression of God's mind, heart, and purpose—walking on the earth.

John reveals that the Word, who existed from the beginning, was not only with God but was God. This profound connection means that when Jesus came to earth, He was the visible, tangible Word of God, showing us the Father in human form. In John 1:18, it says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”

Jesus, the Logos, is the living message of God. He is the wisdom, the mind, and the very essence of God in bodily form. Through Him, we see who God truly is—full of grace and truth. Jesus didn’t just speak words of life; He is the Word of Life itself.

This understanding emphasizes that the only way to truly see God and know His heart is through His Son, Jesus Christ. As John 14:6 says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the Logos—the way we understand and experience God, and the only path to eternal life with the Father.

But how does this relate to our journey with Christ? The same humility that brought Jesus down from heaven is the path we must take to become the sons and daughters He calls us to be.

Jesus' journey of lowering Himself shows us that the way to God isn’t through pride, self-exaltation, or striving for status. Instead, it’s through humility and surrender. Philippians 2:6-8 reminds us that, although Jesus was in the very nature of God, He “made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant... He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Jesus lowered Himself so that He could lift us up into the family of God. He calls us to follow Him, not by trying to elevate ourselves, but by surrendering our lives and embracing humility. Just as the Word became flesh, we too must become something different—we must humble ourselves to become who God calls us to be.

As the Word became something, so too will we become the Imago Dei—the image of God. When we humble ourselves and follow Christ, we are transformed to reflect His likeness. We were created in God’s image, but through the humility and surrender of Christ, that image is restored and renewed in us. Romans 8:29 tells us that we are predestined "to be conformed to the image of His Son," meaning that as we lower ourselves, God shapes us into the perfect reflection of Christ.

The Bible says in James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” This is the heart of the gospel: when we lower ourselves in humility, God raises us up as His sons and daughters. To be a follower of Christ is to take up our cross daily, to deny ourselves, and to follow His example of servanthood and sacrifice.

Jesus' life was one of servanthood, and so is ours. When we humble ourselves, God works through us in ways we could never imagine. It’s in lowering ourselves that we make room for God’s grace to fill us, transform us, and elevate us into the sons and daughters of the Most High.

Today, let us be encouraged to reflect on how Jesus, the Word, became something for us. He became flesh, lived among us, and tabernacled in our midst so that we could rise in Him. The only way we can truly see the Lord is through His Son, Jesus, the true Logos of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We are invited to humble ourselves, to follow His example, and to allow God to lift us up into His family.

As we lower ourselves, we become the Imago Dei—restored in His image, sons and daughters reflecting the beauty and love of our Lord.

Let’s embrace humility, follow Christ’s example, and walk confidently in the truth that we are God’s children—called, loved, and lifted by His grace.

JK. Woodall, Ph.D. 

RESISTANCE is Victory!

 

RESISTANCE is Victory!

Dear Fellow Saints,

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the Apostle Peter gives us a powerful command: “Be **sober**, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. #Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”

My fellow saints, #resistance is not just about enduring; it is #victory in the life of a believer. The place where we can successfully #resist the devil is in faith. It is **in faith** that we find the strength to push back against the enemy’s attacks. Faith is our place of refuge and our ground for battle. Outside of faith, we are weak, but when we remain **in faith**, we are fortified and able to withstand every scheme of the adversary.

Peter also urges us to be **sober**. This is more than staying free from substances that dull our minds—it’s about freeing ourselves from the worldly intoxications that can blur our focus. Titles, recognition, and people’s praise can all become traps. The enemy uses these to shift our attention away from Christ and toward self-exaltation, but when we are #sober, we see clearly. We recognize these distractions for what they are and refuse to be ensnared by them.

Being **in faith** means keeping our hearts and minds aligned with God’s will, refusing to let the world’s praises or temptations pull us away. **In faith**, we stay grounded, knowing that our strength comes not from human accolades or our own achievements, but from Christ alone.

So, my fellow saints, I encourage you today: **Resist** the devil, but know that your place of **resistance** is **in faith**. **In faith**, we find the strength to remain vigilant and sober. **In faith**, we stay focused on Jesus. **In faith**, we have already won the victory. 

Stay strong, stay sober, and remain **in faith**, for **resistance** is truly **victory**.

With love and steadfast faith,  

Pst. JK. Woodall  

Mountain Mover

 

Is This Mountain an Obstacle or a Path to Elevation?

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Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you in peace. As I reflect on life’s challenges, I’m reminded that mountains can either feel like obstacles or opportunities for elevation. Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 paints a clear picture of this dual reality. Though he was “caught up” to new spiritual heights by God, he still faced a thorn in his flesh—a challenge that remained. Despite his prayers for it to be removed, God reminded him that His grace was sufficient.

We often look at the mountains in our own lives and see only the difficulties. But I want to ask you a question today: Is this mountain an obstacle, or is it here to elevate you?

In Deuteronomy 33:29, God says, “Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.” This verse reminds us that the very mountains we face might be lifting us up, not blocking our way. Like standing on the shoulders of giants, God positions us on higher ground—giving us a greater perspective, strength, and vision through His grace.

As you face your own mountains, consider whether they are meant to hold you back or if God is using them to elevate you. Even with the thorns that may remain, His grace is all we need to keep climbing and rise above.

In His grace,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Welcome to Your New Month of October 2024!

Welcome to Your New Month of October 2024: 

A Message to All Nations

God is committed to #completeness  and divine order in your life, and He will finish what He started! As we step into October 2024, remember that the God who began a good work in you is faithful to bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). This month symbolizes divine order, the fulfillment of His perfect plan, and His desire to bring every area of your life into alignment with His will.

From the beginning, God's plan was to send His Son, Jesus, to fulfill the Scriptures and bring us into the fullness of His grace. Jesus came not only to complete the law but to offer us a new covenant of grace, love, and redemption. Through Him, we are no longer bound by the weight of the law but are empowered by the grace that covers every shortfall. It is through this grace that we can trust God to complete everything He has promised us, knowing that His plans for us are perfect and full of hope.

To the nations, this is a time to rise in the confidence that Christ has finished the work on the cross and has made way for you to walk in divine order and blessing. Let this be the month where grace leads you into the fullness of God's purpose. Whether in your personal life, your community, or on a national scale, His divine order will bring clarity, peace, and breakthrough.

October is not just a new month but a season of completion through Christ. His grace empowers us to move forward, knowing that nothing is impossible with God. As we embrace this new month, may we rest in the assurance that what He started, He will finish—because He is faithful.

Let this be a month of grace, restoration, and divine order for all nations. Declare it boldly: "He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it!"

Welcome to your month of grace and divine order, where God finishes what He started.

With Kingdom blessings, 

Pst. JK Woodall 

 #october #newmonth

The Playground Trap – Wake Up to the Battleground

Message to the Saints: “The Playground Trap – Wake Up to the Battleground”

Dear Saints,

The enemy has deceived many of us into viewing our Christian journey as a playground—safe, comfortable, and effortless. But this is a dangerous illusion, cunningly designed to keep us spiritually asleep, distracted, and ineffective. The playground is not where God has called us to be; it’s a deceptive trap, engineered to keep us on the couch, numb to the spiritual battle that surrounds us. It’s time to wake up and see the playground for what it truly is—a dangerous diversion that keeps us from fulfilling our divine purpose.

1. The Playground’s Deceptive Intent:

The playground exists to keep us complacent, unaware, and passive. The enemy uses it to lull us into a false sense of security, whispering lies that tell us we’re safe as long as we avoid major sins and stay within our comfort zones. But this is a ploy to keep us spiritually dull and off guard. Scripture warns us: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). The playground is an illusion, a distraction from the real fight against the powers of darkness.

2. The Battleground is the Reality:

While the playground seeks to deceive, the truth is that we are on a battleground. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). Every day, we are in the midst of a spiritual war, whether we recognize it or not. The playground is meant to keep us blind to this reality, encouraging us to coast through life instead of engaging in the fight.

Jesus never called us to a life of leisure; He called us to a life of sacrifice, commitment, and warfare: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This is not an invitation to the playground but a summons to the battleground, where the stakes are eternal.

3. Get Off the Couch and Arm Yourself for Battle:

To escape the playground’s trap, we must recognize the urgency of the battle. The enemy wants us comfortable, complacent, and unprepared, but God calls us to vigilance and action.

- Put on the Full Armor of God: The enemy’s deception can only be overcome with truth. “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). We need the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:14-17). This armor is not optional; it’s essential for survival on the battleground.

- Stay Vigilant and Alert: The playground encourages complacency, but God calls us to be watchful. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy’s intent is to catch us off guard, and the playground mindset leaves us vulnerable.

- Engage in Powerful Prayer: Prayer is not a passive act but a powerful weapon. It’s our direct line to God, who empowers us to stand firm. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). Prayer is how we wage war, breaking free from the enemy’s traps and reclaiming the ground lost to deception.

4. The Fight Requires Real Effort:

The playground illusion tells us that spiritual growth is effortless, but Scripture commands us to actively fight. “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). This fight requires more than casual participation—it demands discipline, vigilance, and the determination to resist the enemy’s lies.

- **Worship is Warfare:** Worship isn’t just singing; it’s a declaration of God’s victory over the enemy’s lies.  

- **Faith is Our Shield:** Faith isn’t passive; it’s a shield that quenches every fiery dart aimed at us.  

- **The Word is Our Sword:** The Word of God is not just knowledge—it’s a weapon that exposes and cuts down every deception.

5. The Enemy’s Ultimate Goal:

The enemy’s greatest deception is to keep us spiritually asleep while he steals, kills, and destroys. Jesus exposed this tactic: “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The battleground is where we confront this reality, fighting to reclaim the abundant life Christ has won for us.

6. Victory is Secured, but Engagement is Required:

Though Christ has already triumphed over the enemy (Colossians 2:15), we are called to enforce that victory daily. The battleground is not a place of defeat but of empowerment. “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). The enemy’s strategy is to keep us from this truth by trapping us in the playground’s comfort. But we are called to rise up, engage, and stand firm.

Final Call: Wake Up from the Playground – Step into the Battle:

Saints, it’s time to break free from the playground’s deceptive grip. The enemy uses comfort and complacency as weapons to keep us spiritually asleep. We are not called to a life of ease but to a life of purpose, marked by vigilance, faith, and action. The battleground is real, and the time to engage is now.

Rise up, Saints, and take your place on the battleground. The enemy’s deception ends here. Stand firm, fully armed, and ready to fight the good fight of faith.

With boldness and determination,

JK. Woodall, Ph.D.

Senior Pastor, Revival Center Hesperia