Then Jesus looked up and said 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Do we believe in raising the dead? Does our faith stretch far enough to pray for the dead? I was in Montana, USA in 2008 with a missions organisation, training to go and outreach in the nation of Taiwan. Our training was held at a local high school and we would drive there everyday up and back. On one occasion we were driving past the same highway intersection and there was all this commotion going on. There was a car accident and a lifeless human body wedged in the car. Our car kept on going. But the other team pulled over and attempted to resuscitate him. He later died. I was wondering to myself if anyone prayed like Jesus did when he raised Lazarus - complete faith that God would deliver. I'm not sure if I could do the same. I even have trouble praying for healing on bandaged legs.
I once heard, that at a revival conference in Taiwan all these ambulances were racing with their sirens to these conferences. Not because people were dehydrating and collapsing at the conference but because these ambulances were transporting dead bodies to be prayed resurrection on them! Could you imagine the level of faith and the bold prayers that were being prayed in that tent!
Well, apparently resurrection of the dead is common in places like China, Indonesia, India where persecution is intense. All they have is Christ which is complete dependence and humility.
I want to be bold and pray for the things Jesus prayed for. To pray for healing, resurrection and providence. I think the key is depending on God to move and not my prayers. And even if nothing happens, God is pleased with that step of faith. Because an accumulation in steps of faith equals walking out in faith! Maybe he wants nothing to happen so that he can strengthen and build our faith. You wouldn't expect a toddler to start running without learning how to crawl and walk first.
Its also interesting how Jesus is never illustrated in the bible to be in a hurry. Even in this scene, he waits two days before going to see Lazarus, "Yet when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days" (John 11:6). I should recite this verse whenever I'm in a hurry somewhere.
Be bold and courageous. Pray for outlandish things so that God will be glorified. Last Saturday I was talking to two youth at Auburn about the church. I asked them their opinion about church. And he stated "its boring." Following Christ was never meant to be boring. Have we limited and pushed God into a box with our lack of faith? The world wants to see the raw power of God from the church manifested through the holy spirit.
so nard man
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