Lazarus, Come Forth!Speaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: When you think that everything has ended in your life and see failures all around, trust Jesus! He raised dead Lazarus after four days of his death; your problems are too small before Him. His compassion for you never fails. In the village of Bethany, there was a family so loved by the Lord Jesus, comprising of two sisters named Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus. One day, Lazarus fell seriously ill and the sisters who believed in the miracle-working power of Jesus sent word to Him about his sickness. They believed firmly that if Jesus was there, their brother Lazarus would surely recover. But the Holy Scripture says that Jesus deliberately delayed in going to Bethany to visit Lazarus. "So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was" (John 11:6). Meanwhile Lazarus died and was buried.
When tragedies strike us we lament saying, "Why did the Lord permit this suffering into my life?" Even today, many who live close to the Lord Jesus undergo travails. Even Lazarus, the beloved of Jesus, took seriously ill and died. Jesus deliberately delayed two days in going to Bethany, knowing fully well that Lazarus was at the verge of death.
When those of us who are engaged in His ministry, pray for others' needs, there are instant miracles happening in their lives. When those who have experienced the wonder-working power of Jesus in their lives come and testify, we are wonder-struck. But in our own lives, when we tread the thorny paths, Jesus remains seemingly passive. That is what happened in the family of Martha and Mary. Jesus told His disciples, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).
The disciples of Lord Jesus must have been greatly confused. He had said that Lazarus would not die, but he had already died! The faith that they had in Jesus must have shook. Not only Lazarus, but the disciples also must have had an eclipse of their faith and been walking in the shadow of death. Jesus said to Martha, "Your brother will rise again. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:22), reminding her that all power had been given in His hands. It was true that she was in the valley of the shadow of death! But she was not to forget that the Lord was still with her so that she could see His miracles right then.
Dear friend, there may be a similar situation in your life too. Men may say that you are finished. You may be undergoing sickness and doctors may have given up hope on you. Grieve not!
Jesus said, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40)
Your body will surely revive again. Lifeless body parts will surely function again normally. Your life will blossom again. You will have success in all your endeavours and your home will prosper. Let not your heart be troubled!
Approaching the grave of Lazarus, Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha instantly said to Jesus, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." Jesus then confirmed her faith said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:39,40). He then cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43). The dead man then came out alive. Just imagine how that situation must have been! When Jesus said, "Lazarus, come forth!", those who stood around the grave would have laughed with a scorn, "How can the dead man come alive?" Those who stood around Jesus were filled with hatred, mistrust and were less faithful. Yet His love, compassion and life-giving power brought Lazarus back to life. Today, He will do the same for you, because He loves you.
Dear friend, do not say that there is no one to help you or love you. Has everyone let you down? Are you surrounded by your enemies? Fear not! Even today, He will perform miracles for you. The battle belongs to the Lord! He will fight for you. He will revive your body again and all that you have lost. If it is true that He raised Lazarus from death, He can help you as well. Turn your eyes towards Jesus. He will lift you up from the valley of the whadow of death. Let not your heart be troubled!
Prayer :
Gracious Heavenly Father,
When I am surrounded by problems, trials and tribulations, I fall back from my faith and am filled with doubt and mistrust. Lord, lift me up and let Your light shine in my life. Work great and mighty wonders in my life. I make this prayer through Jesus Christ, my Lord.
Amen. |