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PGA Chaplain Bible Studies Study 35 – November 19th - 25th 2007. The Power of his Word!“Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John Chapter 11: verse 43 to 44. (New International Version) In our last study we noted how Jesus wept as he saw the grief of Mary
and Martha at the death of Lazarus. Both Mary and Martha had expressed
disappointment at Jesus for not coming sooner. They believed Jesus could
have prevented his death occurring. But for Jesus there was another reason
for his lateness, a reason that is hinted at in John Ch 11 verse 2, 40
and 42. After a prayer by Jesus his mood changes from grief to intent. He calls out in a loud voice for Lazarus to come out. It states that Lazarus came out of the tomb. All through chapter 11 is the invitation of Jesus for those around him to trust him. This is the case with Lazarus even though he has died. On the SBS news last night there was a report of a weird Christian sect who had withdrawn into a cave and were staying there because they believed that the end of the world was coming. They were following the instructions of their leader. They have threatened to blow themselves up if anyone tries to force them out. A number of children are involved and authorities are waiting to decide on a strategy. You do not need much common sense to realise how unstable and sick this leader is and how gullible the people are. When it comes to Jesus, what strikes you is how wise, sensible, true, powerful, loving, just and courageous he is. He is someone you can trust in and will not be disappointed in. Jesus does not call us into exclusive communities, shut out from the world, but out into the world to share the life of Christ. (See Chapter 20 verse 21). How do you know Jesus can raise the dead? We believe the testimony of Jesus to be true based on the giving of the Holy Spirit who lives within each believer, and the bible as the Word of God. People need to look beyond our own wisdom to see God at work. As Jesus said earlier, streams of living water will flow within each who believes. (John Chapter 7: verses 37 to 39). Through his own death and rising again Jesus will appear to his followers and speak of death being overcome. Jesus also demonstrates in this reading the power and authority of his
word. This reminds us of creation where God spoke and brought the world
into being. Jesus’ word are authorative because of who he is, the
Son of God. Prayer, |
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