Life

Written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
To Warn Encourage Uplift & Affirm
the will and purpose for His people

Life… unto death... is just a beginning...

Lazarus died and Jesus brought Him back to life.
This was a miracle of unfathomable proportions.

The quick observation is; Jesus brings the dead to life but the depth of this action extends far beyond the obvious… from “life to death” now must be considered in terms of “death to life” and every avenue implied as sign, symbol and value, not known but by faith. Temporal life is restorable by perfect love, impending death still inevitable yet can we see the door that has been opened to the spiritual reality and its place as God in Jesus transforms our concept of existence. Perfect love overcomes death.

This same point is extended beyond the obvious at the Transfiguration. Jesus as man in the supernatural, compounded by two men from the dead yet supernatural speaks beyond life as man approaches it, to how God reveals something greater still.

Can we see Jesus in the transfiguration with Moses and Elijah as something more than we could ever expect or imagine in “two or more…?”

To be loved by God transcends life as we know it.

And now because the perfect love of God has entered into the temporal world, life is brought to that purpose it was created for, as revealed in Jesus. Death has had its initial review and it has been overcome and begins to be redefined in terms of God in loving relationship. The supernatural has imposed itself into the material world and it is altered as a demonstration of the power of love through relationship. We are not back in the garden but we are back to that relationship with God in Jesus. Sin brought us death and Jesus has over come it.

This was not an appraisal of death nor is its dimension altered but it is a new consideration of death, in light of Jesus, a preparing us for what was to come. Jesus demonstrates power over life in healing and casting out demons. Now in Lazarus Jesus redefines His power and position by demonstrating power over death.

There is no relief from death, for Lazarus must again die. In our minds an extension of life as in this case, may be more important then eternal life. For many, extended life is the ideal and may cause us to think in terms of Jesus removing obstacles for prolonged life. Yet the point here is simply Jesus has power over death making way for eternal life… this is the goal. Death remains in place but Jesus has power over it and has come to show us why and how motive exceeds the temporal.

The raising of Lazarus is a sublime act of love but no more or less than any other miracles of healing for even casting out of demons is a form of relief to an obstacle to bring someone back to an opportunity to receive compassion. Mercy finds us without merit for God’s intervention. Jesus gives us His love primarily because of who He is, not as demonstration of who He is. He is perfect motive… He is perfect love.

Our gain in any form is not because we have earned it or deserve it but merely a recipient of the merciful love of God and in that moment or miracle that is observed related or received; opens a crack in eternity and a glimpse of Him who is all the love there is forever, gives cause to His purpose of relationship and its worth. To those who have eyes, to those who have ears, this light speaks and is seen by the heart as eternal hope. Sin removed man from God and brought death. In Jesus, the perfect love brings us through death.

Perfect love casts out all fear!

The miracles of death to life in Lazarus and the two prophets in the transfiguration are but miles stones to establish the power of love that changes the world in His death for us. When we conclude His passion in removing our sin by taking it upon Himself we see love at its ultimate height; perfect selfless sacrifice. He, the light of the world, enters the darkness of death for us. And in this act of love Jesus now personally reassures us as to an even greater event… eternal life… not in words but in His resurrection appearances to declare Himself in evidence of the love that is given, is eternal. Light forever overcomes darkness. Life unto death in Jesus brings a certainty of death unto life… His love takes us past… His love is so great that He continues to love us and draws us to Himself to be forever with Him. Open your heart… receive what words can’t describe but in these words by faith you can know the power of this love…

Be blest… He gives and gives and gives of Himself forever… This is the resurrection… it is given to and for us… receive it!

Jesus Christ’s Community at Hebron