This chapter is about a very familiar story. Lazarus is sick & dies. Jesus shows up deeply saddened by Lazarus’ death; then through the power of God, Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. The Jewish leaders of the day are upset.
But I want to focus on something else today. I want to talk about things in our lives that we might not believe God to bring them to life. Do we want Him to? Yes, absolutely! Do we believe Him to? I am reminded of a song written by Nicol Sponberg:
“I’m at a loss for words, there’s nothing to say
I sit in silence wondering what led me to this place
How did my heart become so lifeless and cold
Where did the passion go?
When all my efforts seem like chasing wind
I’ve used up all my strength and there’s nothing left to give
I’ve lost the feeling and I’m numb to the core
I can’t fake it anymore.
Here I am at the end I’m in need of resurrection
Only You can take this empty shell and raise it from the dead
What I’ve lost to the world what seems far beyond redemption
You can take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again, again
You speak and all creation falls to its knees
You raise Your hand and calm the waves of the raging sea
You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering
You have a way of turning winter to spring
Make something beautiful out of all this suffering”
Jesus not only has the power to resurrect, His claim “I am the resurrection and the life” makes Him the very source of resurrection and all life. Believing the truths about Christ cannot be distinguished from trusting the person of Christ. Martha’s confession “You are the Christ, the son of God” implies that He is my resurrection and eternal life.
Read The Bible in Two Years 