Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Without Jesus, the Story Ain't Much

This morning in our Bible study we read the story of Lazarus. Not much is known about this man other than Jesus raised him from the dead. Without Jesus, the story of Lazarus amounts to a note about a man who lived with two of his sisters in the town of Bethany, and then he got sick and died. We know stories like that in this age, and they are quite common. In fact, any of us could take sick and die at any time. What makes this story special is what Jesus did. That is what makes my story special, and the very thing that makes your story great.

When Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been rotting in the grave for four days. The mourners and comforters have gathered, and the sisters Mary and Martha are hosting a pity party. Nothing even that unusual there, but Jesus tells them to roll the stone away. Yikes! Over Martha's protest, Jesus has them do the dirty deed, and then with a short prayer of thanksgiving, calls Lazarus to come out. Yeah, right, a dead man four days gone? Lazarus obeys. Whoa, the story then becomes that special story we know so well from countless Bible studies and sermons. All because of what Jesus did in this man's life and, um, death.

Your story and mine goes much the same. The tale is nothing special until Jesus comes into our lives. Then we have rebirth, life abundantly, peace, tribulation, and in the proper time, resurrection and eternal life with a great wedding thrown in. Now that's a tale to tell around the campfire!

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Bucky

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