Tag: Daniel 12:1-3
“Lazarus! Come out!”
Scripture reading for November 1: John 9-12
My son Marshal and I visited Bethany as a part of our Bible history and geography study class that spent three weeks in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. At Bethany one morning, we visited a place that was a probably like the tomb that Lazarus was laid in. Marshal and I went down a narrow passageway carved out of the rock and entered the musty cave where there were some niches carved in the wall as places to lay the bodies. The tomb was illuminated by an electric light. After reading the Scriptures about this incident, I turned to leave first and right after I got out, I took my camera and called out, “Marshal, come out!” I got real visual of what that might have looked like to those gathered around that tomb with Jesus!
Jesus often stayed at Lazarus’ home in Bethany, less than two miles from the Temple in Jerusalem. (John 11:18) Lazarus had two sisters, Mary and Martha, who also loved Jesus and loved their brother. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother was deathly sick, but Jesus purposely delayed coming. (John 11:3-6) When Jesus arrived, Lazarus was already dead and entombed for four days. Martha came to meet Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. She also made another key statement, “But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask.” (John 11:22)
Jesus gave her a Word of knowledge: “Your brother will rise again.” (John 11:23) Martha’s understanding of the resurrection had come from studying the Old Testament Scriptures. (Possibly Daniel 12:1-3, 13) Jesus spoke again to her prophetically, “I am the Resurrection and the 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?” (John 11:25-26) This time Martha confessed that she believed that Jesus was the Christ, Son of God!
Jesus went to the tomb and wept! (John 11:35) What compassion Jesus showed for this man that He loved! The One Who was the “Resurrection and Life” was about to demonstrate the power of faith. Jesus was deeply moved a second time and ordered the stone taken away from the mouth of the tomb. Martha protested, but Jesus reassured her faith! After thanking His Father that He always heard Him, Jesus spoke, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus came out, grave clothes and all!
We are encouraged to simply believe that whatever Jesus said or says will be heard by the Father! He is praying for us now and listening! Why not ask Him for what He has promised? Faith is always rewarded!
Make every effort!
Scripture reading for November 17th: 2nd Peter 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Peter 3:11-14 “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”
God is the only one who knows the future and He has revealed the final judgment of this present heavens and earth through the prophets and apostles and His own Son, Jesus Christ. These prophetic truths should motivate God’s people to live in a state of readiness and anticipation. No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, but the fate of the earth, the wicked, and His people is clearly foretold!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers make every preparation and effort to be ready for Christ’s return and the final judgment! “But at that time Your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:1-3)