John 11:38-44
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Reflection
The resurrection of Lazarus was only a preview of Jesus’ power over sin and death. The resurrection power that Jesus demonstrates in this section will soon be on display in his own resurrection, and eventually in the resurrection of all those who have put their hope in him. Jesus had already spoken of the day when “all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out” (John 5:28–29). The apostle Paul explains the vital connection between Jesus’ bodily resurrection and ours. If the dead are not raised, Jesus wasn’t raised; but if Jesus was raised, we too shall be raised (1 Cor. 15:12–23). Those who are united to Christ by faith have already experienced an inner resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:4–7; Col. 3:1; Rom. 8:10–11), but one day we will experience the fullness of our new life with the resurrection of our bodies.
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection
In this passage the author repeatedly encourages his audience to action with the words “Let us . . .” (Heb. 10:22, 23, 24). First, he urges us to enter God’s heavenly presence through Christ’s blood (vv. 19–21): “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Because of Christ’s priestly work we have the privilege of drawing near to God in worship, prayer, and faith.
Second, he urges perseverance: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (v. 23). We have strong incentive to persevere in faith because our God is absolutely faithful—he will never fail us. Third, he urges love: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (v. 24). In times of difficulty believers are to show practical concern for one another, regardless of the cost. This kind of care is fueled by meeting together for worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement (vv. 24–25). By underscoring the grace of God in the work of Christ, our Great High Priest, Hebrews seeks to motivate us in faith, hope, and love.
Psalm 73:23-26
23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
The author of Hebrews calls us to persevere, remembering that God is faithful to his promises (Heb. 10:23). He is ultimately the One who ensures that we will finish our race. Pray that God would give you resolve to run your race to the end, and ask him to give your heart confidence in his faithfulness to strengthen you for the journey.