Lazarus, Come Forth
Today’s Verse:
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. ~John 11:43
The family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was very close to our Lord Jesus Christ. Until we get to John 12, we see Martha and Mary interacting much with Jesus, and Lazarus is quietly in the background. Lazarus was the baby brother who was in the shadow of his two older sisters. Lazarus was possibly shy, introverted, and wanting to avoid the spotlight. Lazarus was a good man, but perhaps he was scared of being a sold-out disciple for Christ. However, this changed in John 11-12. This morning, let us see what changed about Lazarus after he “came forth” at the summons of our Lord Jesus.
We see Lazarus, who is invigorated.
Lazarus had died of an illness and was buried in a cave. He had been dead for four days. Jesus came to the location and, by His power, raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus told him to “come forth.” He was raised by the authority and power that Jesus possesses as God. Prior to coming out of the cave, the heavy stone had to be moved away. Then, when he came out, he had to have the help of others to remove the napkin around his head and the wrappings that covered his body. Lazarus’ resurrection is a beautiful picture of what happens when a Christian is dead to his flesh and is awakened, or revived. He came forth by the Lord’s power, but he also came forth for the Lord’s purpose. Lazarus, for the first time, would live his life with focus and priority.
We see Lazarus in his intimacy.
“There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.” Lazarus is not hidden in the background. He is sitting at the table with Jesus. He is at the place of close intimacy and fellowship with Jesus. He made a determination that he would stay as close to Jesus as he could get. When we experience revival, it is to the realization that we need to be close to Jesus. As our world is practicing social distancing for health purposes, we must remember that spiritual distancing from our Lord is hazardous to our spiritual health. If we want to increase our faith, boldness, love, and exercise of the fruit of the Spirit, it is imperative that we have closeness to our Lord.
We see Lazarus, who is intrepid.
“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. “Lazarus was no longer shy among people. He made himself available among people. The resurrection power of our Lord gave him courage and boldness to testify publicly of the Lord’s love and power in his life. You can’t work up holy boldness. This kind of boldness comes to us when we obey the Lord by coming forth out of our “cave” and letting His power work and flow through us.
We see Lazarus and his impact.
“Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.” Lazarus impacted many Jews in their faith in Jesus. His life impacted many to salvation. He became a powerful and influential soulwinner. He was a walking testimony of the power of a resurrected life. When resurrection power is present, old tendencies are taken away, just like those old grave clothes. When resurrection power is present, we make the most of our opportunities for impacting lives for eternity. Maybe, this morning, you might need to “come forth” out a “cave” situation that is holding you back from being what God wants you to be. Come forth and let the Lord use you greatly!
Have an awakened God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 1-2