Let us also go, that we may die with him

John 11
[14] Then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. [15] For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." [16] Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

A few weeks ago I was referred to a web-site that sold pajamas that were to teach children about the armor of God and help them feel protected. Today I read about, not for the first time, churches growing in numbers as they preach a gospel of health and wealth. But then I read gospel stories such as the raising of Lazarus. And, yes, Lazarus comes out of the tomb. And, yes, the disciples aren't killed. But the disciples are asked to follow and believe they are risking death. And because of Jesus' actions in raising Lazarus plots are laid to put Jesus to death. (John 11:53)

It is foolishness to expect health and wealth because of the gospel (at least not health and wealth as they are so often used). But one can find a greater joy in service to God than comes through being one of the 'right sort of people', having health, or having wealth. The right sort of people, in the eyes of God, are those who treat each other with love. The health one can expect is not just bodily, but a wholeness that comes from living your life with God. The wealth of money is nice, but it does not compare with the wealth of being loved by family and friends.