Read John 11:1-44
In the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection first Jesus hears about the news that Lazarus is very sick and delays before telling his disciples that they will be going to Judea to see the dead man. They decide to follow him, even if it leads to their death.
For us today we can apply the disciples' decision to follow Jesus, even when it’s hard, to our own lives. If Jesus is calling you to something new, even if it is from a place of great fruitfulness, follow Jesus. Follow him wherever he sends you because it is better to follow him even into danger than to stay in a place of safety and security without him.
Next we see Martha and Mary go out to see Jesus. They left their home surrounded by people to go and seek comfort from Jesus and his disciples. They cried with him and Jesus joined them in mourning the loss of their brother. Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead he comforted these ladies and mourned with them.
Besides the loss of loved ones we grieve broken relationships, health diagnoses, declines in physical ability, as well as all sorts of unexpected issues at work, in our community, our state, our nation, and our world. Grief occurs for many reasons.
If you are grieving, make an effort to grieve in your spiritual community. Share what's going on with you with those around you, those who you love and care and trust and let them uphold you and minister to you.
Finally Jesus prays to the Father and raises Lazarus from the dead. As believers God the Holy Spirit lives within us and by asking the Father, just like Jesus did here, and praying for the miraculous to happen we may see miracles take place. The same power that raised Lazarus from the dead lives within us. Like Jesus did here, we also can ask God the Father and if it is his will then he will move in miraculous ways as we ask him for him to move.
In summary, follow Jesus even when it's hard, even when it's difficult, even when it's confusing. If you are grieving, make an effort to grieve in community. Share what's going on with you with those around you, those who you love and care and trust and let them uphold you and minister to you. And finally believe in the power of God that Jesus has displayed and that Jesus has given us access to by allowing us to be in relationship with God. If the opportunity arises pray that the Lord will move in power, that the Lord will do miracles in your life and in the lives of those around you.
