Dead or alive ∙∙

Dead or alive ∙∙

Lazarus, come forth – John 11:43

John 11:25-26

 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies,

 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?

Benjamin Schreiber received a life sentence

 without the possibility of parole following his conviction for first-degree murder. In March 2015, he developed large kidney stones that led to septic poisoning and died. However, his death was “short-lived.” He was resuscitated and recovered.

Schreiber filed a claim to be released. He argued that when he died, his life sentence was completed. Consequently, his debt to society was fulfilled, and now he deserves to be released.  

The court rejected this supposed loophole and disagreed with Schreiber’s argument. Judge Amanda Potterfield highlighted, “Schreiber is either still alive, in which case he must remain in prison, or he is actually dead, in which case this appeal is moot.” Judge Potterfield found Schreiber’s argument “unpersuasive and without merit.” The fact that Schreiber was able to submit a legal challenge for his release clearly indicates he is alive.

This case touches on the advancements in medical science that allow reversing what can be described as momentary or short-lived death. Resuscitation practices have become relatively common, enabling revival from states lacking blood circulation and oxygen, which traditionally would result in organ failure and death within minutes. Under certain conditions, such as exposure to extremely cold conditions, resuscitation might be possible even after a more extended period.

However, the court noted that modern medical resuscitation is distinct from the concept of resurrection as understood in biblical terms, which involves a return to life after permanent death and decay, exemplified by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. This distinction underlines the court’s decision against Schreiber’s unique appeal for freedom based on his temporary clinical death.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Creator of life has power and authority over death and decay! He has the ability to transform our mortal forms into glorious bodies, such as the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.

Father I am in awe of Your awesome power of life and resurrection. “What is impossible for people is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).

INSIGHT

Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, held a dear place in the heart of Lord Jesus Christ. When Lazarus fell seriously ill, his sisters urgently summoned Jesus, expecting Him to come and heal their brother promptly. However, Jesus chose to delay His arrival, staying where He was for another two days, ensuring that Lazarus had indeed died. In those times, the primary mode of travel was on foot, meaning news and people moved slowly. By the time Jesus reached Bethany, Lazarus had been entombed for four days.

Why four days? Even in the 21st century, resuscitation would not have been possible. Irreversible damage would have already occurred. This narrative wasn’t about healing the sick or resuscitation. It was a divinely orchestrated opportunity to reveal a more profound truth about the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father that was yet unknown. He was setting the stage to unveil a startling, seemingly incredible truth.

Understandably, Martha felt a mix of sorrow and disappointment, perhaps even bitterness. She did not doubt Jesus’ ability to perform miracles and heal the sick.

Despite her grief, Martha managed to restrain any dramatic display of emotion when she finally confronted Jesus. There was no outburst, but her disappointment was palpable. She approached Jesus with a poignant mix of faith and reproach, saying, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Of course, the 500-lb. Gorilla in the room was, what was not said, “Why didn’t You come? We were depending upon You.”

The Lord Jesus Christ was not harsh but exceedingly kind, gentle, and meek in His response. He took the conversation to a whole new level. He categorically stated, “I AM the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). At first glance, it appears that the Lord Jesus Christ claimed to have the power to raise anyone who dies from the dead whenever He wanted.

But there’s more. The Lord Jesus Christ is greater than death! He does not merely have life; He has life-giving power. At the moment of resurrection, He gives life to the dead. The concept of resurrection isn’t just a distant prophecy about the end times. He has the immediate power to grant life and to resurrect in the now.

His words are utterly staggering and unbelievable.

John 11:25-26

 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”

 26 “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

On the surface, these two sentences seem paradoxical and perplexing. But the confusion is removed when you realize that He refers to two different groups of people. The first group consists of the believers who pass away; He will resurrect these individuals in the future. A smaller subset of believers will remain alive when the Lord Jesus Christ returns. They will not experience death.

“How is this possible? The answer is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18. When Jesus Christ returns in the air to take His people home, those who are alive at His coming shall never die. They shall be changed and caught up to meet Him in the air” (Wiersbe)!

These faithful individuals won’t experience physical death. They live in faith and will never die because they are present at the moment of His return. For them, life transitions directly into an eternal state as their mortal bodies are transformed into glorified, immortal ones.

Jesus emphasized that Lazarus’s death was not about mourning but was meant to glorify God. Hundreds, if not thousands, of mourners had gathered. They were all witnesses to what happened next.

The Lord Jesus Christ backs up His incredible claim using only three words: “Lazarus, come forth.” His few words were simple and straightforward, but they were backed by the unlimited power and authority of the Father, the living God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life. He simply speaks to Lazarus’s dead body, and his dead body somehow is able to “hear and obey.” Lazarus’s dead and decomposing corpse was restored and instantaneously resurrected. Lazarus emerged from the tomb, alive once more, in a stunning demonstration of divine power.

Hundreds of onlookers were totally astonished and overwhelmed; they were blown out of their socks. Multitudes of them believed. This was the climax of a brilliant campaign to bring glory and honor to the Father. This miraculous event wasn’t just about bringing Lazarus back to life; it was a profound act designed to honor God and became one of the most public and pivotal miracles Jesus performed before His own death and resurrection.

“When you are sick, you want a doctor and not a medical book or a formula. When you are being sued, you want a lawyer and not a law book. Likewise, when you face your last enemy, death, you want the Saviour and not a doctrine written in a book. In Jesus Christ, every doctrine is made personal. When you belong to Him, you have all that you ever will need in life, death, time, or eternity!” (Wiersbe)

Philippians 3:21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

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© Dr. H 2024