Verses: John 11 : 38 - 44
My thoughts about the verses:
If you know me you know that I love some of the songs and messages from the singer Carmen. Some of his thoughts are way over board for me but his goal has always been to bring people to Jesus. He uses elaborate sets, and upbeat songs to deliver his message. One of my favorites is the song "Lazarus Come Forth."
The song retells the story of Lazarus coming from the grave from the view of Lazarus. Imagine how awesome it would be to be in The Bosom of Abraham. Imagine being in a room with all of those believers that have passed on before you. Hearing them talk about their connection with God. They believed God because what had happened to them. Just think of the amazing stories you would hear.
Some I would like to hear is Ruth's take on surviving. I would love to hear Esther talking about her faith as she entered the King's throne room. Imagine talking to Paul about his visit during the days of writing Revelation. Listening to Noah talk about the boat trip that would never be repeated again. Witnessing so many people talking about how God had been there in spirit.
But just imagine hearing the stories from those that actually walked with Jesus while he was here on earth. Can't you imagine talking to Mary and her telling you about the baby that turned into a King. Hearing the stories told by the apostles as they gathered for that last meal. The stories that John the Baptist could tell of his cousin and Messiah. Imagine Listening at last to the stories that Lazarus had to share. Not only of walking on the Earth and being friends with Jesus, but dying and being brought back out of the grave alive.
This is how I see things happening at that moment and time. I chose this picture because it is what I can imagine happening. Jesus has the stone rolled away. He speaks the name of Lazarus. Lazarus's body was in the tomb, but not his soul. It was in The Bosom of Abraham worshiping the Living God. Rejoicing, not in pain, no worries just living with peace. Jesus knew this and when the name was spoken God helped Lazarus's spirit come back into this world so that it could enter his body. The reflection of the hands says it all the hand of Jesus is open ready to take a firm grasp and ready to take on the load of the weight. The hand of the young man is cupped and offered up in a form of servant hood.
You can imagine Lazarus was shocked when this all happened and it probably took a while to fully understand what happened during those 4 days. I had a feeling his sisters rejoiced like never before. Yet, this was done for more than these three people. It was for those that had gathered to support Mary and Martha. It was Jesus's way of saying that he had power over life and death. The grave could not hold him from his responsibilities. The Jewish leaders would not be able to quench his activities by just killing him. Because, with all the miracles that he had done both with multitudes of people watching, or with just a few he had established his influence. The grave would only solidify what needed to happen to save the world. Jesus was getting closer to the point of letting the reality facing him to come to a head.
Prayer:
Dear God thank you for giving us the miracle of life. Thank you for showing us that your power was not ended when you were placed in the grave. Thank you for showing us that you had the power over life and death. We ask you Dear God to help us accept you in our life. Help us understand what you need us to do each and every day. Let us proclaim our stories so that others may come to know you and accept you in their life. Amen
Questions:
Have you told others your story? What would your story be when it comes to the power of God? Is there someone that you wish you could have heard their story? Is there someone that you want to go to now and ask about their experience with God?
My thoughts about the verses:
If you know me you know that I love some of the songs and messages from the singer Carmen. Some of his thoughts are way over board for me but his goal has always been to bring people to Jesus. He uses elaborate sets, and upbeat songs to deliver his message. One of my favorites is the song "Lazarus Come Forth."
The song retells the story of Lazarus coming from the grave from the view of Lazarus. Imagine how awesome it would be to be in The Bosom of Abraham. Imagine being in a room with all of those believers that have passed on before you. Hearing them talk about their connection with God. They believed God because what had happened to them. Just think of the amazing stories you would hear.
Some I would like to hear is Ruth's take on surviving. I would love to hear Esther talking about her faith as she entered the King's throne room. Imagine talking to Paul about his visit during the days of writing Revelation. Listening to Noah talk about the boat trip that would never be repeated again. Witnessing so many people talking about how God had been there in spirit.
But just imagine hearing the stories from those that actually walked with Jesus while he was here on earth. Can't you imagine talking to Mary and her telling you about the baby that turned into a King. Hearing the stories told by the apostles as they gathered for that last meal. The stories that John the Baptist could tell of his cousin and Messiah. Imagine Listening at last to the stories that Lazarus had to share. Not only of walking on the Earth and being friends with Jesus, but dying and being brought back out of the grave alive.
This is how I see things happening at that moment and time. I chose this picture because it is what I can imagine happening. Jesus has the stone rolled away. He speaks the name of Lazarus. Lazarus's body was in the tomb, but not his soul. It was in The Bosom of Abraham worshiping the Living God. Rejoicing, not in pain, no worries just living with peace. Jesus knew this and when the name was spoken God helped Lazarus's spirit come back into this world so that it could enter his body. The reflection of the hands says it all the hand of Jesus is open ready to take a firm grasp and ready to take on the load of the weight. The hand of the young man is cupped and offered up in a form of servant hood.
You can imagine Lazarus was shocked when this all happened and it probably took a while to fully understand what happened during those 4 days. I had a feeling his sisters rejoiced like never before. Yet, this was done for more than these three people. It was for those that had gathered to support Mary and Martha. It was Jesus's way of saying that he had power over life and death. The grave could not hold him from his responsibilities. The Jewish leaders would not be able to quench his activities by just killing him. Because, with all the miracles that he had done both with multitudes of people watching, or with just a few he had established his influence. The grave would only solidify what needed to happen to save the world. Jesus was getting closer to the point of letting the reality facing him to come to a head.
Prayer:
Dear God thank you for giving us the miracle of life. Thank you for showing us that your power was not ended when you were placed in the grave. Thank you for showing us that you had the power over life and death. We ask you Dear God to help us accept you in our life. Help us understand what you need us to do each and every day. Let us proclaim our stories so that others may come to know you and accept you in their life. Amen
Questions:
Have you told others your story? What would your story be when it comes to the power of God? Is there someone that you wish you could have heard their story? Is there someone that you want to go to now and ask about their experience with God?
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