Jesus brings to life that which was dead
A few nights ago, my daughters and I were doing Bible Study. They picked the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, which is in the book of John, chapter 11. My 9 year-old reads from her starter Bible (which summarizes the stories and chapters), my 11 year-old reads from her NIV Bible, and then I read from a NJKV so we each hear the Word three times, in 3 different versions. At the end, I will ask questions (easier ones for the 9 year-old) such as, how were the stories different? What was the same? What animal was mentioned in this verse? Why did Jesus say that? And so forth. Some questions are thought provoking, some are simple, and some have no right or wrong answer. I fish for their thoughts and perspectives so I can see what knowledge they are gaining and what their understanding of the scriptures are.
Let’s take a snippet from the story we read. In John 11:14-15 it says, 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” That night, I asked both daughters, why did Jesus say he was glad he wasn’t there when Lazarus died? My 9 year-old said, so they would believe? Yes, but believe what? Believe in God? Okay, but how would this make them believe in God? My 11 year-old stayed quiet while my Ella continued to answer. Because Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead...? Yes Ella, thank you. I said. But if Jesus and the disciples were there when Lazarus died, Jesus could have just raised him there also, right? Why was Jesus purposely not there? Then, after some pondering, Holly replied. No Mom, the disciples had seen Jesus heal many people, many times. If Jesus was there, he would have just healed Lazarus when he was sick (and not let him die). But the disciples had never seen Jesus raise someone from the dead. Jesus did that to show them his power so they would believe in God. Wow. I was stumped at this wonderful wisdom coming from my 11 year-old (she was sure teaching me a thing or two). I was so joyful and pleasantly surprised at what the Holy Spirit had revealed to her. It was delightful! So what does this have to do with this post?
Well, let me ask you, are your relationships ill, heading towards the grave? Is your marriage dead? Are your dreams obliterated? How is your spiritual life? Is life getting better or worse? What else is in need of resuscitation, do you have issues in your life that you think are beyond repair? Maybe you’re divorced; maybe you’ve been cut out of people’s lives. Maybe you got fired or you dropped out of school. Are you at the end of your rope and unable to get back up? I believe that Jesus is still giving life to that which we thought was dead. Remember I told you that my marriage was lifeless and dead (Marriage Part 1)? I thought it was beyond repair, hopeless, lifeless, and six feet under. My husband and I were done with each other, and I thought it was inevitable that we would get a divorce, just like so many others. So why bother reviving it? Even though we sometimes feel this way, God can revive anything. Who else can take on the things which are dead?
Let's continue. The Bible study concluded with this conversation. How did Jesus have the power to bring Lazarus back from the dead? I asked. The girls said that Jesus got the power from God because Jesus is the Son of God. Yes, but Jesus is also God and he is the resurrection, I told them. We know that death could not keep him and that Jesus defeated death (read the rest of John and you will see). Therefore, He can raise anyone or anything that he chooses to back from the dead. Wow, what a lesson! If you think that there are dead or lifeless things in your life beyond mending, think again. No, actually don’t think! BELIEVE!!! Believe that the God who raised Jesus from the dead can also bring healing, restoration, and life into all areas of your life--to your relationships, passions, dreams, and future. If you are still alive, there is still hope. Don’t give up now, you are so close to your breakthrough! Jesus says, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26). I believe that GOD will do what you thought was impossible, and breathe life into your circumstances. In fact, I know God can. After all, He is the Giver of Life!
Let us Pray.
Father God, our Maker,
We know that you are the Giver of Life; You gave us life. We thank you Lord. I thank you for the readers, for Chapter John 11, and for the lesson. Help the readers to gain understanding like Holly. Give us wisdom and knowledge, not of this world but of your Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6). Show them that you are still breathing life into things, and that it was just not something Jesus did long, long ago. Jesus is alive and he is still reviving the things which were dead; it is Your ministry to bring things back to life! It is who You are! You can do what is impossible for anyone else. You heal, you bring to life, you restore, you deliver, you protect. You are so so good Lord. I speak life over the readers and pray that they will find hope and that they will believe. You are the truth, the life, and the way (John 14:6). They are on their way to breakthrough, healing, and restoration and I know they will experience life like never before. Thank you Father and be Glorified!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
