The book “Songs of the Deliverer” tells the story of Christ re-cast in modern day. The book is a work of fiction but the stories and characters are based on the Gospels of the New Testament. These Reflections are written to highlight the Biblical pericopes.
Referenced in Chapter Twelve
In the commemoration of Christmas, we celebrate the birth and life of Jesus. With the parties held and presents opened, now is a time to sit in quiet contemplation and assert our faith and affirm our belief in Christ.
A message was sent to Jesus that a young man named Lazarus was close to death. By time the message was received, Lazarus had died. Jesus told his apostles that Lazarus was sleeping, but that he would go to awaken him. The apostles did not understand he meant that Lazarus was dead but would be arisen in God’s name. Jesus explained to them:
“Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. (John 11:14)
When Jesus and his apostles arrived at their destination, Lazarus was entombed in his burial place. A grieving sister, Martha, approached Jesus as he entered the town. She said to him that her brother would not have died if Jesus had come earlier. Jesus replied:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe?” (John 11:25-26)
Martha said she believed. But then she told her sister, Mary, that Jesus had come to save Lazarus. Mary came running out of the home and fell weeping at Jesus’ feet crying out that if Jesus had come sooner, her brother would not have died.
And Jesus wept.
Three times he said to those who followed him that he would make Lazarus rise and three times he was doubted.
He walked to the tomb and told someone to remove the stone to the entrance. Martha stopped him saying that the body was already in decay having been dead four days. Once again, Jesus addressed their doubts:
“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
Jesus lifted his gaze and prayed to God. Then Jesus called out: “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43) And Lazarus arose and walked out of the tomb.
There are no secrets and no doubts about why Jesus was sent to us. He tells us many times in many ways:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
It’s time to believe. Do you believe?
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