The Raising of Lazarus
John 11:38–44
NLT“Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said this out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
No state of decay or dormancy is beyond spiritual renewal when awakened by authentic calling.
Four days after the burial of Lazarus of Bethany, Jesus approaches the rock-hewn tomb despite Martha's warning regarding decomposition. Calling out in a loud voice, Jesus commands Lazarus to emerge, and the man steps forth alive, still bound in burial linens.
Light
The revitalization of dormant hope and rebirth from the deepest state of despair.
Shadow
Remaining captive to dead habits and psychological paralysis.
