Bring Us Back to Life

The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead took place prior to the Triumphal Entry and Holy Week. To me, this story reveals one of the most touching moments of Jesus’ character.

The characters in this story are so relatable and they are related. We can picture ourselves in those same situations through events that have taken place or are currently taking place in our own lives.

Lazarus was a close and dear friend with Jesus. He had a personal relationship with Him and spent time with Him. “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” John 11:5

Then illness came. With each day as his condition worsened, do you suppose that he questioned where Jesus was in his moment of need? Word had been sent and still no sign of Him. In our situations, prayers have been prayed and yet, they go unanswered, or so we think. In those moments we begin to doubt and question. Did my faith mean nothing? Is God really who He says He is? Is He all powerful? Can He really heal?

In the waiting, Jesus knew every detail. He too was waiting until the precise time to do the Father’s will. “But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

Martha who had earlier been taught that she worried about many things but only One thing was is needed and that it would not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:41) Do you think that she remembered that encounter with Jesus? Do you think that she drew strength from knowing that Jesus would always be with her and give her His strength and peace?

Do we remember that when we begin to worry about many things? When the outcome looks bleak and our hope begins to fade? Are we holding onto the One thing?

Mary was crushed emotionally. At first she stayed home with the others who came to comfort her. Then when she was told that Jesus was asking for her, she got up quickly and went to Him. When she reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet, poured out her heart and wept.

I’m sure that Mary wept with the others, but there is something different about weeping with God. He truly knows and understands and just like Mary we can pour out our hearts to Him and even ask why. In her pain she said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11: 32)

Are there questions you have for God about your pain, your sorrow, and your hurts? Ask Him. Open up to Him and let Him hear all about it because just like Mary, He is deeply moved in spirit and troubled. And then, Jesus wept. (John 11:35)

That sweet verse is so powerful, so moving, so loving. Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, God Almighty and yet, He has compassion on us and will weep with us. Isn’t that the most compassionate thing you have ever heard? The God of the Universe cares for you!

This little family of believers was just about to experience life as never before. “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

The response was, “Yes, Lord! “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Jesus continued, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” Jesus then called Lazarus from the grave and back to life.

I believe that all three, Lazarus, Martha and Mary, experienced their own new life that day. Lazarus had a new physical life and deeper walk with Christ. Martha and Mary saw the glory of God in the power and authority of Jesus. They were all friends of Jesus before, but now they were witnesses and devoted servants of Christ, the Son of God.

As believers we are born again into a new life with Christ. Sometimes we experience a type of death in our relationship with Christ when we walk away and choose our own path and need to be revived. Other times we experience doubt and worry that distract us from His promises. Still other times we stay in the comfort of others rather than go to a private place with God to open up and be real.

Romans 10: 8-10 reads, “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

When we choose to believe God and His word and confess that Jesus is Lord that is how God brings us back to life. Life in Him. A life with promise and purpose.

My prayer

Father, I am in awe of the compassion that You give me every day. You know my heart, You know my future and even when I feel weighed down by life, You listen to me and You weep with me. You are a personal Savior. You are my Savior, My Lord and My God. Lord You are My Everything! In Jesus’ name. amen.

Where does my help come from?

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”