Come Out!

The story of God raising Lazarus from the dead has always fascinated me. Everything about it, from Jesus' deliberate hesitation of two days' time before traveling, to the sisters' different reactions (but same faith) upon seeing Jesus, to the very call to life itself.

Jesus has all power and authority. He is the resurrection and the life, as he tells Martha, bringing forth her response, which is essentially a summary of the Gospel of John: "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."

Jesus is deeply moved by their response to Lazarus' death. We can take comfort from that - He is our immanent Saviour, with us in all our struggles. He knows our frame, remembers that we are dust, and sympathizes with our hurt.

The other comfort is the call. Just as Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the tomb and be raised to life, so He calls us to follow Him as Lord and Saviour. He calls us to put our faith in Him and trust His promises. He calls us to serve Him while on this earth. Can you hear Him?

Come Out!

Come out from the tomb of worry, and give your anxieties and fears to Christ. He bears our burdens, and gives us a yoke that is easy and light in exchange. He takes our worries and replaces them with hope.

Come Out!

Come out from the tomb of despair. Let the wrappings of heartbreak and sorrow fall away. Be unbound and free from the bondage of despair. Let go, and trust in Christ. Despair has no place among those whose God is the Lord. Even in the ugliest moments, the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Come out from that dark, filthy tomb and rejoice!

Come Out!

Come out from the tomb of doubt. Believe in God's promises. Believe that His Word never fails. Believe that He will do as He has said. Believe that He is with you. Repent, and believe!

Come Out!

Come out from the tomb of timidity. Stand for Christ your Saviour with boldness. Be courageous for the truth. Be courageous for the Gospel. Drop the wrappings of fear that surround your heart, mind and soul; step forward for Christ and live as a child of Light, not ashamed of the Gospel, but alive in the Gospel.

Do you hear Him?