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12/21 Reading Portions: 2 Chronicles 25; Revelation 12; Zechariah 8; John 11
John 11:43
When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
CRY
Nearing the tomb of Lazarus, the Lord Jesus wept (John 11:35). Some have taught that our Lord wept over the unbelief of those gathered. Surely there is truth in that; however, as I’ve written and preached before, our Master’s love for us warrants His weeping over the last enemy He will destroy— death (1 Cor 15:26). At the tomb, however, the Lord Jesus, by contrast cries out victoriously. Were channels of tears staining the Son of God’s cheeks when He did so? We do not know. Yet His crying out foreshadowed His conquering death and the grave; and not only that, gave Mary, Martha, all His disciples, and everyone gathered a glimpse of the amazing resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows His sheep by name (John 10:3), and His sheep, like Lazarus, hear His voice (John 10:4). Two years ago, Ninilchik, Alaska lost a bright and precious light. Having turned 89 in September 2021, Doris Kelly entered the everlasting arms of her Master and Savior on December 20, 2021. She now beholds Christ’s glorious, scarred face and thorn-pierced brow, never again giving way to a glance to the left or to the right. For such a tiny person, she was strong and feisty. Yet all who knew her are certain of this: she loved the Lord Jesus and His holy Word with all that was within her. For that, I truly loved her. And what’s more, she loved me, because I preached her Lord Jesus from His holy Word. It was a privilege and honor to be her pastor. Nevertheless, weeping as the Lord Jesus had as He neared the tomb of Lazarus, I also cry with joy unspeakable over Christ’s triumph at the cross, and His victory over death and the grave. For one day, the Lord Jesus will descend with a shout and the cry of an archangel, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, and those alive and remaining will be caught up in the air to join Him (1 Thess 4:16-17). Now, that’s victory, brethren and sisters! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Lord Jesus cries in victory,
His shout, a triumph over death,
Which He would win at Calvary
To save the sinner whom He’s blest.
