In the historical account of Lazarus, we have eye-witness accounts by both the supporters of Christ, as well as the enemies of Christ, which are clearly recorded in the Book of John chapter 11. Lazarus was a friend of Christ. Lazarus died and was buried three days in a tomb before Christ could arrive. Where the heart of Lazarus was clearly dead – and most likely rotted and infested with maggots after three days in the hot desert sun, Christ revived it at His pleasure. The hope that Christians have is that, though death will claim us, it will not conquer us. We have our hope in the One who is able to raise the dead – as He did, not only with Lazarus, but with Himself. How much more will He do for us!
In other words, long after our bodies have aged, died and dissolved into the soil and worms six feet in the ground, our souls will continue to live as strong and youthful as though we never had a body at all. What is important for us, is where our souls will continue to eternally live.
There is a Heaven and there is a Hell. Some of us may not like this, because we do not like such a choice as black and white as this is, but our souls will definitely occupy one place or the other. It’s simple as this. While our bodies are sufficient enough to encompass our soul, now is the time to figure out where our eternal destiny lies. Many are happy enough to ignore it – they say things like, they aren’t believers, or they are agnostic, or even atheists. it’s a sort of flippant – almost ignorant – attitude to their eternal destiny. But ultimately, it cannot be avoided. There is a “pay day, some day”. Each of us will need to give an accounting of our lives before the One who holds our destiny in His hands. For anyone interested, we actually have a God – Who, unlike all other religious poseurs – actually laid His Own life down in our place to redeem us. What other ‘god’ has done this? None.
Christ raised His friend Lazarus from the grave – after Lazarus was in the grave for 3 hot days in a desert cave… even the townsfolk warned Christ of the stench of this dead man’s body. This is recorded as historical fact. But, as Christ proved with the public resurrection of Lazarus, death is no longer a threat to us brothers and sisters, because we have a Savior in God Himself in the person of Our Father’s One and Only Son – who has done everything to save us from eternal Hell through His Son’s sacrificial death in our place. Who else is willing to die in your place? Is there anyone you know willing enough to take the flogging and the crucifixion that only He Himself was willing enough to take for you? This is how much your God and Creator loves you – He risks everything to redeem you, but – there is a time limit.
After death, you are on your own, and this is not a position you will want to be in, if unprepared. Keep in mind that you also have a Devil that is your sworn enemy – he absolutely hates, loathes and despises you, and as your adversary, he will do EVERYTHING to drag you down into the pit prepared for him and all the enemies of Christ.
Thank God that we have a champion in His Son, Christ Jesus, but do not take this lightly. He did not send His willing Son to die such a horrific death for grins and giggles. It’s as serious as it can get. Our eternal soul depends on it, as do the souls of our unsaved friends and family. Get involved, stick your neck out, and make a difference, while you can.