Devotionals

Come Forth

by Jack Corcoran
02/06/17
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Come Forth

I’m sure you all know the story about the death of Lazarus in the eleventh chapter of John. Lazarus and his two sisters were close friends of Jesus but, when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, Jesus held back; he didn’t rush to their home in Bethany until four days later, after Lazarus had died.

And then Jesus went to the tomb and shouted, “Lazarus, come out.” And quick as a flash, Lazarus came out of the grave. Just before he shouted for the dead man to come out, Jesus had said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

So, is that the reason behind this miracle of God? Of course because of what Jesus said but I think there is more to it.

What if Jesus did not call Lazarus specifically? What if he had raised his hands and shouted, “Come out”?  Do you think it’s possible that every dead person in the ground would come out?

Sounds funny, huh? But I’m thinking that this story of Lazarus may also be a shadow of the future. Because we are told that Jesus is going to do exactly that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16.

15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.   NIV

When He returns, Jesus is going to come down from heaven with a loud command. I’m guessing that command is going to be, “Come out!” or “Come forth!”

And the dead are going to rise. Just like Lazarus did. Only this time they are going to rise into the air to meet Jesus. Then it says that “We who are alive will be caught up with them in the air.”

How many of us have ever wished that we could fly like a bird? Come on, admit it. It is going to be so cool to float in the air. I can hardly wait. Praise the Lord.

Thank you, Lord for the promise of your holy word. Come soon Lord Jesus, come soon. Amen