I was thinking about Lazarus this morning. I wonder how grateful he was to Jesus for raising him from the dead. We know he was around Jesus after that.
John 12:2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
I wonder how sacrificially he gave his all to Jesus after Jesus raised him from the dead. I wonder how many people were drawn to Jesus through the testimony and witness of Lazarus' new life.
John 12:9-11 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was
there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus,
whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put
Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews
were going away and believing in Jesus.
I wonder if there is anything Lazarus would have held back from Jesus after that, or considered too great a price to pay to love and follow Jesus.
Then I thought about:
Colossians 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having
forgiven us all our trespasses,
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I
who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me.
Romans 6:13b . . . but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
I was dead in my sin. Cut off from God, Who is Himself life. And He raised me from the dead. And so I wonder . . . I wonder how grateful I am to Jesus for raising me from the dead. I wonder how sacrificially I give my all to Jesus after Jesus raised me from the dead. I wonder how many people are drawn to Jesus through
the testimony and witness of my new life. I wonder if there is anything I would have held back from Jesus
after that, or consider too great a price to pay to love and follow
Jesus.
What is the proper response when someone has raised you from the dead?
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
