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Jesus often showed His extraordinary ability to bring the dead back to life and give life to hearts hardened by sin. The story of Lazarus in John 11:44 captures this miraculous power:
“The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’”
John 11:44, English Standard Version
While physical resurrections are rare, the promise of eternal life for believers stands as a testament to God’s transformative abilities.
The Bible recounts ten instances of God raising people from the dead, with seven in the New Testament, including Jesus Himself, and three in the Old Testament. In most cases, revival happened through touch, often leading to emotional family reunions. Having a loved one raised from physical death is an extraordinarily uncommon event. We rejoice in those occasions in a way that acknowledges the awesome power of God to do such a thing. But someone being given eternal life is equally as powerful.
Ephesians 2:4-5 highlights the spiritual rebirth believers experience: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Like Lazarus regaining breath at Jesus’ command, God renews our souls through His great love for us. Each resurrection story demonstrates God’s boundless power to conquer death and restore life, instilling faith in those who witness these miracles.
The story of Lazarus not only showcases Jesus’ ability to defy death but also highlights the importance of belief and faith in the face of adversity. Despite initial doubt and despair, the eventual resurrection of Lazarus leads many witnesses to believe in Jesus. Encountering Jesus changes everything.
Through stories like Lazarus’, the Bible reveals truths about redemption, restoration, and resurrection power. These back-to-life stories highlight the eternal hope found through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of spiritual rebirth and the promise of everlasting life.
Lord of heaven and earth, we praise You for all those we know You have saved from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of Your Son. It’s a miracle every time. Now help me to trust You with the lives of my loved ones who aren’t following You. And for those I know who are sick and close to physical death. You always have a plan. Help me to trust in Your goodness no matter how long it takes. It’s in the name of the resurrected Jesus I pray. Amen.
Listen now to the short version of this Abide meditation, “The Dead Brought to Life,” based on John 11:44. Let God speak to you about new life in Christ.
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