Living sure beats dying. I just wrapped up a grave site funeral in 18 degree weather with snow falling and wind blowing. It reminded me of all the good things we share together in life such as memories, adventure, good food, love and marriage, our children, fishing, hunting, sports. The list could go on and on. Life is definitely better than death. And yet, death is certain to come to all of us.
Death reminds us to value our life and live with meaning and purpose. In John's gospel chapter 11 we encounter a story about life and death and how our relationship with Christ can produce life even after we die.
Jesus said in 11:25, "I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" He said this after one of his close friends, Lazarus had passed from life into death. But, Jesus had a plan. He would raise up Lazarus form the dead.
From out of this powerful story flows both historical and spiritual realities. Historically speaking, archeologists tell us that churches were built on the grave site of Lazarus from as early as the 4th century if not earlier. In other words, this story spread through out the region and down through the pages of history. People came to believe in Jesus as the Christ because they saw him raise up Lazarus from the dead. It's hard to dispute a miracle when the very evidence is walking around and living just like you. Tradition tells us that Lazarus later served in Cyprus as the Bishop of the church.
Spiritually speaking, there are some very important truths we learn from Lazarus' story about how we can live a resurrected life. Let's take a look.
1. Faith and a change of mind - Faith is the first step to receiving the glory of God in your life. When Jesus said, "Take away the stone," others expressed practical concerns. Lazarus had been dead for four days (11:39). But Jesus wanted them to have faith. Jesus' offer of life must be received by faith.
2. Obedient action - Although their minds told them no, their spirits said "yes". They obediently removed the stone (11:41). Faith must always be followed by action. If we say we believe, we need to live like we believe.
3. Removing the old life - When Lazarus came out from the grave, he was still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus, then, commanded "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (11:44) This may be the most important step to living the resurrected life. Removing the old life allows us to step into the new life we possess as a child of God. Whatever is holding you back must be thrown off.
This week believe the promise of Jesus and live the resurrected life for which Jesus died and you were redeemed. See you Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection and the life.
Pastor Tom
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