With God All Things Are Possible

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Funerals are always sombre.  If I recall my grandfather's funeral,  it was a small gathering of people,  grief filled the atmosphere.  These were the questions that floated through my mind:
'Why now? "
"Why so soon? "
There he was so peaceful in the casket.  I felt numb,  I was in so much of pain,  I thought that I would break at any moment.

When someone we love passes away, it's always a sad occasion, but not the death in John 11:38-44.  This story brings our hope alive.

John 11:38-44Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Death and Resurrection of Lazarus

11 

38 So Jesus, again deeply moved within [to the point of anger], approached the tomb. It was a cave, and a boulder was lying against it [to cover the entrance]. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days! [It is hopeless!]”40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God [the expression of His excellence]?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes [toward heaven] and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me and listen to Me; but I have said this because of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You have sent Me [and that You have made Me Your representative].” 43 When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 Out came the man who had been dead, his hands and feet tightly wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and release him.”

Scripture says that Jesus receives a message that Lazarus is ill.  Jesus arrives in Betthany,  Lazarus has been dead and buried for four days.   Jesus assures Martha that her brother will live again.  

Jesus says:  "I am the resurrection and the life... "

When Jesus entered the village He met Mary and the people who came to console her.   Seeing them in pain,  tears in their eyes and in despair.  Jesus was moved,  He wept.   Jesus is right there with you grieving in that dark place you are in,  right there beside you in that tragedy.  

Jesus asks for the stone of Lazarus' grave to be removed.   Jesus called:  "Lazarus, Come Out".

Jesus stepped into this dark place with power and authority, He commanded the dead to come alive.   Indeed,  Lazarus came out. 

"One word from the Lord Jesus and the dead is raised to life.

One word and the blind see.   

There's no equal to the King of Kings."

The same resurrection power that brought Jesus from death to life is available to you.  He is calling you by your name and saying:   "Wake up, take your grave clothes off. " Jesus is your hope.   

Reference 

1.  Impossible Things:  Chris Tomlin

2.  www.biblegateway.com