John 12: 9-11
"Meanwhile a large
crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only
because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the
dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and
putting their faith in him." (NIV)
Reflection by
Kenneth L. Samuel
Most of us
understand the hazards and perils of life. We've constantly
been made aware of the physical dangers and toxic behaviors that
threaten life, liberty and limb. But those of us who, through
faith in Christ's resurrecting power, have been brought back from
the death of sinful selfishness and wanton materialism face even
greater dangers.
We face danger
because we are living proof of God's power to bring life from the
dead. We are Exhibit A of God's resurrecting power.
Consequently, we find ourselves on the hit list of those who would
deny and restrict life according to their own biases. Our
defiance of death is precisely what incenses those who believe that
they and their philosophies are the determinants of life. Our
refusal to stay dead is the very thing that gives us the perseverance
and the tenacity to stay alive. No grave can hold us; no tomb
can contain us; no force of death can overcome us.
Lazarus, by virtue
of his return from the dead, became a primary agent of evangelism for
those who doubted God's power over death. Just when the
adjudicators of life and death thought they had Lazarus securely
confined to a tomb, Lazarus stepped out of his tomb and embraced a
newness of life with an undying faith in his redeemer. So the
chief priests made plans to kill him again. What they didn't
realize, however, is that once a person conquers the fear of death,
that person is free to live… forever.
Prayer
God we thank you for
replacing the period after death with a comma. Now give us
power to face the dangers of the resurrection that you have evidenced
in us. Amen.
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About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia.
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