"The chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because that by reason of Mm many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus" (John 12:10,11).
In Lazarus we see a striking twofold picture. First, prior to resurrection, he is typical of the sinner; and, after receiving new life, he displays what a normal Christian should be. Let us briefly consider him in these two aspects.
A SINNER
Lazarus' physical condition answers to that of every fallen son of Adam. Two things were true of him:he was dead, and, as Martha says, contemplating the fact that he had been dead four days, "he stinketh."
What a picture! And how hopeless also as far as man is concerned! It does not flatter men to bring them face to face with their true condition before God. Nevertheless, it is imperative. All are "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Since the fall in Eden's garden, man has been alienated from the life of God and there is not a beat of the heart within the bosom of any sinner, religious or profane, which is toward Him- Dead! That is man's true description, and we all knw a dead man cannot do anything. Nothing in the world is more helpful than such. What a dead man needs is life; and no one can impart that to the dead sinner but the Son of God, who is "the Resurrection and the Life."
But more:Lazarus was also corrupt. In that eastern semi-tropical climate corruption would indeed have done its work to a marked degree in four days.
Every sinner is not only dead in sins; he is also morally corrupt before God. "We are all thunders Isaiah of old, "as an unclean thing.'1 Even our best deeds, "our righteousnesses," God labels as "filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). Sin is the cause of it all. Sin is hideous and obnoxious to God who cannot pass it by unpunished.
But while God hates sin He loves the sinner, and clearly proved this by sending His only begotten Son to meet our deep need. On the cross Christ died for our sins.
Just here, does someone enquire, How is the provision made for all by Christ's death applied to the helpless sinner? Look at Lazarus raised to rawness of life. Someone is bidden to loose him. The napkin which bound his face is removed, and now le is able to speak of the matter freely. We are not told this by him in so many words, but had you been there io ask, the story would have been short and to the point:"I was dead; but, when I heard the Lord's word of power and life, I lived again." Thus it is in the quickening of a dead sinner. "Hear, and your soul shall live," cries Isaiah. And the Lord, hundreds of years later, said similarly:"He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life" (John 5:24).
Have you seen yourself dead and corrupt before God? Have you heard the Word of Life in your soul, raising you up to newness of life? If so, you are among the blessed. But notice what follows, as we go on to view Lazarus as
A CHRISTIAN.
After receiving new life, Lazarus was a powerful witness to the resurrection might of Christ. This is evidenced by the fact that the chief priests sought to put him to death; "because that by reason of him," it is said, "many went away and believed on Jesus."
Oh, that were true of every born again child of God! Are you in your daily life witnessing for Christ, and has anyone been led to trust in the Saviour because of your manner of life? What is the secret of this power? some may wonder. Such Christian testimony invariably results from habitual occupation with Christ. In this connection note again the beautiful attitude of Lazarus. We learn that he was "one of them that sat at the table with Him" (ver. 2).
Ah, there the secret is disclosed! That day Lazarus was not attracting much attention to himself. He was just sitting there at the table, engaged and occupied with the blessed One who had given him new life. That is communion.
Fellow-believer, how much of this Christian grace is seen in your daily life? How much time do you spend in sweet, intimate communion with your Lord? In these days of increased activity in every department of life, it seems that less time is being devoted by many of the Lord's people, whether old or young, to quietly sitting at the table prepared for us by the Lord in the midst of our enemies, and enjoying the rich things of His grace and love.
Laxity in this respect ever results in dullness of spirit, and failure to radiate to others the love that wins souls for Christ.
Let us all, by God's help, determine to make and take time to sit quietly, more often and for longer periods, in the presence of the Lord, occupied with Him. To do so will mean sure blessing and power in your life, and those among whom you daily mingle will take knowledge of you, as they did of Peter and John, that you have been with Jesus.
"Occupied with Thee, Lord Jesus,
I would be;
Finding joy and satisfaction
All in Thee;
Thou the nearest and the dearest
Unto me."
S. Stewart