Lazarus, Come Forth

This week's sermon was a wonderful and encouraging account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave. Jesus claims to have brought life in John 10, then in John 11, He claims to be life. But He isn't just full of empty words. Then He demonstrates His power and calls Lazarus forth from the dead. That's my Jesus! Steve Cable shared an arousing thought with me after the service as well. Do you know why Jesus had to say "Lazarus, come forth"? Because if He wouldn't have said Lazarus, every tomb in that cemetary would've come to life! Think about that. He is powerful. 

And His purpose is to show us Himself and His glory. Yes, He could've come a few days earlier and healed Lazarus from sickness before he ever died. It would've saved Lazarus extreme pain and his sisters their extreme grief. But Jesus' purpose isn't to spare us suffering, but rather to bring us more of Himself. And so in His deep love for them, He let's them mourn. Then He weeps with them. Then He does something far more miraculous than merely healing an illness. And that's what He wants to accomplish in your life too.

This Sunday's message will be on the woman anointing Jesus from her Alabaster Box from John 12. Jesus proclaimed He is the Life in ch 10. He then demonstrated He is the life in ch 11. He is now beginning to be prepared for burial in ch 12. Join us as we worship together and share in the Lord's Supper together this Sunday morning!

See ya at Torch,
BJ Sanders