I think I have found out a way to connect Lazarus and Paul in their dependence upon the power of Christ. It has been said, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity" and I believe this is what is going on in these two passages. Mary and Martha have seen their brother die and now they are desperate for Christ to do something. It is at this point in their life that Christ is going to point them to faith in Him. Jesus even said at one point I am glad I was not there 11:14 Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. They were driven to the thought could Jesus even conquer death? Then in one of the most dramatic scenes in the Bible, Martha confronts Jesus about opening the tomb. 11:39 Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said, Lord, by this time the body will be smelling, for he has been dead four days. 11:40 Jesus said to her, Did I not say to you that if you had faith you would see the glory of God? What would she do? Believe Jesus or honor the memory of her dead brother by protecting his burial site? Jesus reminds her of His promise to show her the glory of God if she will only believe. Faith comes to the top and Martha believes and Lazarus is brought back to life! Paul had the same struggle in a sense, would he believe Jesus and trust Him explicitly for salvation or would he continue on his religious treadmill, always trying but never arriving. Paul decided to believe Christ and he like Lazarus experienced the mighty resurrection power of Christ. 3:9 And be seen in him, not having my righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 3:10 That I may have knowledge of him, and of the power of his coming back from the dead, and a part with him in his pains, becoming like him in his death; Death is not a barrier to Christ but a door way in which He can lead us to life. Are you willing to let Him roll back the stone on your tomb? |
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