A Resurrected Life!

Jesus, in His discussion with Martha, referred to Himself as "the resurrection and the life." ( John 11:25) That power was displayed in raising Lazarus -- the brother of Martha and Mary -- from the dead. ( John 11:43-44) Witnessing this, many of the Jews believed in Jesus ( John 11:45) while others went and reported the incident to the Pharisees. ( John 11:46) Though the signs could not be denied ( John 11:47), the leaders still would not believe and were all the more intent on putting Jesus to death. ( John 11:48-53)

This plot of the Jewish leaders against Jesus continued to grow and we read. . .

"(9) 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. (10) So THE CHIEF PRIESTS MADE PLANS TO PUT LAZARUS TO DEATH AS WELL, (11) BECAUSE ON ACCOUNT OF HIM MANY OF THE JEWS WERE GOING AWAY AND BELIEVING IN JESUS." ( John 12:9-11 ESV)

Lazarus -- BY THE POWER OF JESUS -- had been brought FROM DEATH TO LIFE. Because of that power being witnessed, many began "BELIEVING IN JESUS." Certainly it was miraculous power that had brought Lazarus FROM DEATH TO LIFE, but is the power any less that has also done the same for us spiritually in a manner in which a dynamic change should also be seen in our own life? Having BELIEVED and been united in Christ through baptism, is there a change that has become clearly evident in our life?

Following Paul's comments on baptism he wrote. . .

"(12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. (13) Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God AS THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT FROM DEATH TO LIFE, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. (14) For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." ( Romans 6:12-14 ESV)

Note Paul did not say, will be brought from death to life, but "HAVE BEEN BROUGHT"! Some are dead even while they live. (note 1 Timothy 5:6 ESV) Though we still look forward to an eternity with our Lord following death, as Christians we have already gone through a spiritual resurrection of our life. Jesus earlier had stated that those who hear and believe Him have "PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE." ( John 5:24 ESV). Also John noted that those who love their brother have "PASSED OUT OF DEATH INTO LIFE." ( 1 John 3:14 ESV) Is that evident in the manner in which we live?

Do those around us recognize the NEW LIFE we have been given in Christ? Is HIS POWER to transform our life so evident that others would be drawn to BELIEVE IN JESUS BECAUSE OF US? Having been RAISED UP IN CHRIST, may our new life in Him ultimately draw the attention of others to Him as the One Who has made the transformation possible for us and can do so for them as well.

Have a great day WITH THE LIFE GIVING POWER OF JESUS BEING MADE EVIDENT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Life