So, I knew what I wanted to write about after my last post. I wanted to talk about the Resurrection (Big surprise, I know. Good Friday…Easter!) Also, I had just taught on John 11 where Jesus resurrected Lazarus. I was (and always am) excited about how Jesus can make dead things live.

But on Easter Sunday afternoon, I got a fever to go with the sore throat I had all weekend. (Still got to sing in the Easter choir though & teach my class-yea!) Monday I was even more sick and Tuesday was worse than that. Wednesday I called the doctor, but my doctor wasn’t there. I said that was ok. I was too sick to go in anyway! Finally, I turned a corner and felt a tiny bit better. I have improved in small increments—over the last two weeks. Good grief! I laid on the couch and thought, “Yes, the resurrection power of Jesus. That’s what I need!”

Lazarus, Come Out!

I am still excited about His power—because, no matter how dead a part of our heart or life may feel, Jesus can resurrect it. Even if we are sure we have failed or a dream has died, Jesus can bring it back to life in a completely new way.

Jesus stood at Lazarus’ tomb and said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, ever practical, said, “But Lord…he stinketh!” Literally. The King James says, “stinketh!” The NIV says, “…by this time there is a bad odor.” Jesus didn’t change his mind—“Oh, ok Martha, let’s not open the tomb then.” He didn’t say, “You’re right. What was I thinking? Let’s not do this.”

Jesus said to prepare for the glory of God! They took away the stone. Then he prayed out loud for the benefit of everyone standing with them. Then, he said in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Lazarus did as Jesus commanded and stood before them in his grave clothes. Everyone must have been stunned and speechless because Jesus finally had to tell them to unwrap Lazarus and let the poor guy go!

Jesus’ Power of Life

If Jesus should stand before us at any point in our lives, in front of any heart closet or any soul basement door and say, “Open up,” (“Take away the stone,”) we need to do it. We must not block the way and protest.

• “But Lord, that’s been dead for years.”
• “Lord, I’ve tried that particular Christian discipline and I can’t do it.”
• “Let’s not look at that, Lord. It didn’t work. I failed.”
• “Lord, that hurt has been long buried. Let’s not stir things up!”

No, no. Open the door. Swing it open wide and let Jesus in. He can bring healing to the hurt, comfort to the despair, life to the dead. Wherever Jesus goes, He brings life. He is the very essence of Life. He is the way, the truth and the life! (John 14:6)

I’m excited for the new life Jesus wants to bring this spring. And as for me, I’m glad to be recovering, up and about, back in the land of the living!

Are you ready for Jesus to bring you new life?

The Reality of This Day

I grew up in San Jose, CA and I’ve gone to big churches most of my life. That means I have been to many Easter productions where “Jesus” actually walks right by your pew, dragging a cross, dripping fake blood. When he finally reaches the platform, they lay him out on the cross and –one of the worst parts ever—they clang the nails “into” his hands. Every blow is so horrific. I can barely take it, even though I know it’s not real—because I know it was real.

Jesus had been up all night, forcibly taken by soldiers from the Garden of Gethsemane the evening prior. He had been brought before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and the Jewish ruler of Galilee, King Herod. It was a long night.

The Death of God’s Son

Although Pilate found no guilt in Jesus, the Jewish leaders requested he be handed over for crucifixion for claiming to be the Son of God. Yes, Jesus had been telling the people He was God’s Son and He told them over and over that He was speaking the truth.

Jesus’ death bore witness. He was on the cross six hours and darkness covered the land for the last three. When He cried out in a loud voice and gave up His spirit, there was an earthquake, tombs broke open and the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. The Roman centurion, terrified, said, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

The Veil of God’s Presence

The veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. That is one of my favorite demonstrations of God’s power and plan. The veil that separated us from God was torn—from top to bottom. God Himself tore down that veil and now we are allowed access to the very Presence of God because of the blood of Jesus.

What a privilege. What an honor. There are hardly words to convey what Jesus purchased for us that day. His blood covers all our sins. We can now go into the Holy of Holies, covered by the blood of Jesus and we can converse with God. We can daily speak with Him. We can have a living relationship with Him that will last forever.

The Goodness of This Friday

On this day, we pause and remember. We must remember the sacrifice Jesus made, the terrible pain He suffered, the anguish of bearing our sin and the darkness of being separated from His Father while He did it. Truly, Jesus bore all our sorrows. He paid the price.

This is a day for reverence, but it is also a day for solemn rejoicing, for deep gratitude. Jesus made a way into God’s Presence for us. He opened the door for us to have relationship with God the Father and His Son. Jesus paid it all.

It is indeed a Good Friday.