LAZ
R U
for uS?
Part Two
By A.C. Parshad
Mankind’s greatest
aspiration for life on earth after death
and a bridge to a more
fruitful and glorious life.
A Dead Lad Speaks
Make a Difference
Cocoon Speaks
Before Ever a Butterfly
Pollination
Fly High
No Turning Back
Singing in the Gentle Breeze
My Prayer
Two Plus One
Our Most Noble Example
Traditions
Resurrection for Work
Relationship with God
Conclusion
JOY Replaces Fear and Anxiety
When death had come upon this child from the village of Nain, all his earthly hope of ever seeing his mother again, or to come back to that town had ceased. His mother, who was already a widow was full of sorrow, for death had also stolen her son. The funeral procession for him was proceeding when Jesus met them. Little did anybody know why Jesus had come or what He was about to do. The thought that He was the life giver had never entered their minds. This child also had no notion that Jesus was his only hope. This encounter with Jesus was ever to be remembered. Everybody wishes to live long, but coming back to life no one had heard. All that anybody knew was that only God can reverse the tide of death.
The funeral procession saw Jesus coming. They all knew that He was the miracle worker. On meeting them, He told the woman: “Weep not.” “And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise” (Luke 7:13-14). Now, all eyes were focused on Jesus as to what He was going to do. The procession stopped expecting unexpected but did not know what. A hush was dawned in the spiritual world as was in the physical. Here darkness and death stood trembling seeing Jesus. The dead man sat up and began to speak. A simple touch of Jesus was the command that shook the world of the dead and brought great joy to the world. The funeral procession was turned into a grand victory celebration as everyone that heard it was filled with awe. Satan had once again lost the battle of ages. Death, that had absolute sway over mankind stood helpless at the encounter with Jesus.
The dead man was not dead any more but he found himself whole at the feet of Jesus. There was a great rejoicing for the helpless mankind and the hopeless family. Christ’s compassion breaks all chains. He indeed wants to touch the human spirit with His glory.
The secret that resurrection on earth is real took mankind in a glorious surprise. The news that dead can be revived, though once a fantasy, took a new dimension. If resurrection is real where all the deteriorating organs are revived, there should be no doubt that miracles, signs and wonders in the name of Jesus are also real. Also those who are still smitten by circumstances beyond their control should take courage for great is our God. There is nothing impossible with Him.
We might consider that if Jesus had not come to Nain, the name of that place would have meant little to the world. Its inhabitants too would never have seen any of her sons coming back to life. Truly Jesus said: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18). Jesus, who came to that town to raise a dead, is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). He changed the funeral procession into a joyous one that they never experienced before. As the dead man listened to Jesus, obeyed Him and arose, so we need to hear Him and act accordingly. He wants us to be alive in Him.
Only the resurrected ones can fully tell the joy they have of knowing Jesus because they behold Him differently. They are the returnees from the other side of life. They, along with Jesus, have conquered death. Therefore, they have no fear of man or of death. They bring the credentials of resurrection to this sin-stained world. The light that now beams from their lives becomes contagious and the world becomes anxious to know the real God. When the world sees and hears them, hope of resurrection comes alive in them also and they desire no more to live in darkness. They look to Jesus in this glorious light and accept Him whole-heartedly. Thus, calling upon the name of Jesus, they seek His mercy and are saved. To their great surprise, like Lazarus, they too find themselves sitting with Jesus on the table and feed on the heavenly manna and drink humbly the life-giving water.
Cocoon Speaks
Each day declares the glory of another day. So do the seasons never stop telling the great old story of creation. Everything in the nature speaks of God’s handiwork and reveals many secrets to mankind of eternal truths. We may consider a fact of transformation that takes place even in an insect. An insect, which had previously simply crawled on the earth, becomes a beautiful butterfly.
The dictates of nature had caused this insect to lie in its grave (cocoon). It had no idea that it could live again. The notion that it could also fly had never entered its mind. The very concept of a new life was quite foreign to it. However, getting the new life and to fly across the continents becomes a reality to her. She enjoys smelling flowers in the gardens and nourishes herself on the food they provide. The new life is indeed a sheer delight to her.
The life of that insect before this transformation was very different. It used to creep on the ground and lived like any other insect. It could be trampled and preyed upon by any creature. Its life pleasure was to creep on the earth or climb the bushes or trees at the most. It could not smell the flowers, and its food was probably any edible that came its way. The life of an ordinary man and many believers compares well to this insect. Because they have not yet experienced the life of resurrection, they live only as do the creeping creatures. They have no concept of resurrection that it can transform them to fly with wings as eagles. They, therefore, have not tasted or smelled the goodness of the Lord in God’s garden. They are ignorant that in this garden, the fragrance of Christ is so refreshing that to fly there is real pleasure and exciting and is also very invigorating. If someone told them that there in the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit we shall see and be able to do things that we have never dreamed earlier, they think it is a fantasy of mind. Should we consider it as a fantasy or experience it with upward flight of eternal truth?
However, it was necessary for the insect to put off the old life before it could live this glorious life. Likewise, death to the old life is the only necessary step to obtaining it.
For an insect to be a butterfly is a life of resurrection much to be desired. Its splendour, beauty and ability to fly, to view the gardens, taste honey and live in beautiful surroundings, she wonders how could this be. Now this splendour was her home and delight. She also becomes a delight to many as she witnesses to them the wonders of her life.
The Bible says: (Isaiah 40:31). These words are meant for believers whom God “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaias 40:31). These words are meant for believers whom God wants to soar up like eagles. An insect in its grave gets her orders and strength from God. And lo she flies to the delight of all. Lazarus’ resurrection had also come about by hearing the voice of the same God who calls the insect from its grave. Jesus has truly said: “I am the resurrection” (John 11:25). Like Lazarus and the butterfly, Jesus wants us to soar like eagles with wings of resurrection.
A butterfly is expected to fly, and so she does. From plant to plant she gently takes her flight and also causes pollination. In great delight, the vegetation bears fruit. The saints, likewise, bear fruit for the Kingdom as they take the gospel message on the wings of resurrection from person to person. Wherever they go, the seed is sown and it bears much fruit. In their new life, they have the divine strength. The gentle breeze in the garden provides for all their needs and strengthens them. Like a butterfly, they live above the realm of fear of man and death.
Jesus said: “I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16). Every child of God is chosen from above to bear fruit for the Kingdom. The fruit they bear satisfies many. A butterfly looks fragile, but she performs her divine task with great ease. Her wings tell us that she never seems to get tired of bearing life from one plant to another and from one garden to another. Such is the prerogative of the called ones.
We observe that a butterfly flies with wings that she never had before. She rests on the flowers that just seem to bloom for her. She breathes in the sweet fragrance of flowers. These flowers also gladly provide food for her. In every garden, they look so beautiful and everyone admires them. Her spectators seldom realize that God is trying to tell them that they too can have such a superior life. But when the circumstances hit hard and all hope is gone, if we would wait upon Him and listen carefully, He will give us wings and strength like eagles to do His works. Then we will have a purpose and will gladly show forth His greatness and praises. This world waits to become a better place. So, like a butterfly, let a man of resurrection rise in our dead body. Let us bury the old man and let the new man in Christ delight both men and God. Then men everywhere will rejoice at the working of our God in us, His Church. The angels also, when they see God’s works in us, will be glad and say to each other, behold Jesus is glorified on the earth.
A butterfly never returns to her former life of being an earthly creature. She tells us that as soon as she gets her wings, she is eagerly busy on her new assignment. The resurrected ones also will be on their divine assignment and maintain their flight from one garden to another, the valleys, the mountains and over the continents.
In her new life, a butterfly finds that her work is very pleasant and gratifying. What God has ordained for a butterfly, so has He ordained for believers. It is a wonder of wonders that when we are dead in life’s circumstance and situations, we can be revived and will do things that we never thought were feasible. Such deeds do bring glory to God and peace and blessings on earth.
The works of God have got to be displayed in word and power, which includes miracles, signs and wonders. Like a butterfly, there is no turning back in the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, O, thou that sleepest, hear. God is calling you. He wants His divine standard of peace and joy to be established in the affairs of this world. It is desirable that we should be commended on the last day. For we ought to hear the Master saying: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things ... enter thou into the joy of the lord” (Matthew 25:21).
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Having become the children of resurrection, the Holy Spirit wraps them in the sweet fragrance of Christ. The heaven also looks at them with pride because such “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The world sees the works of God through their lives in word and power because their entire dependence is on Him. Wherever they go, the balm of resurrection is upon them. As the butterflies hum from one flower to another, so are the praises of God on their lips continuously. It woos many to the Kingdom.
O! That having picked up our cross, we might be able to say sincerely:
‘Once I lived like an insect. I was crawling on the earth without much life. Then, when I found myself dead to myself, Jesus, I heard You calling me. When I responded to Your call, You revived me. Now like a butterfly, I too have found a glorious life. Now that I live is because Jesus has gloriously resurrected me. Now I can say –
‘Amazing
grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wreck like me
I once was lost (dead), but now am found (resurrected). Was blind, but now I see (Jesus)`
John Newton 1725-1807.
Shadow of death was looming over this man as he lay hung on his cross. There was another man next to him who looked very familiar. Looking at Him, a sweet destiny came upon him and he saw in Him real life. Death looked only a shadow in His presence. He earnestly tried to find out why this innocent man was on the cross. Then when he saw the darkness looming and the earth that quaked, he knew that even heaven and earth were declaring that this man is innocent. A divine hope arose in him. In his heart he probably asked, could this be the Lamb of God of whom John the Baptist had testified - who takes away the sin of the world?
There was another criminal on another cross who was riling upon the man in the middle. Calming him first, he started talking with the man in the middle for his heart told him that this man in their midst is the King of an everlasting kingdom, and that this Kingdom is the Kingdom of God which is just beyond the cross. Then when he thought to ask Jesus to remember him when He come in His kingdom, the fear of death vanished from him. Thus he cried out to Him: “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Jesus’ immediate response was: “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Today also, those who pick up their cross, should know that Jesus wants to talk with them also. It is our chance now to talk to Him and let the fear of death go. Jesus wants us to have a little talk with Him, and that is all that we need.
The criminal who rudely addressed Jesus was also on his cross. Because he ridiculed Him, he remained in darkness. Though he had heard, seen and witnessed all that transpired during those hours, he received no help or assurance from anyone in this world or from Jesus for his future. Thus those who pick up their cross without the wish to have Jesus in their lives, remain in total darkness.
The two men at their crosses met Jesus who too was on His cross just to take them home. So, be very diligent for at our cross we have a choice of a home in heaven or be in total darkness.
God always wants us to talk to Him. He knows that we are burdened and are stained with sin. He simply says; “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18). Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). This man on the cross who talked kindly to Jesus was in an absolutely hopeless place and worst circumstance like the other criminal. But he heard the most comforting words he had ever heard: “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Jesus, through His cross, made the way for us to be with Him. This man, through his own cross humbly approached Jesus and found his way to be in paradise. Through His cross, Jesus was resurrected, glorified and ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God. This repentant man was also glorified through his cross and had fellowship with Jesus in heaven. Surely, we shall also be glorified through our cross when we are thankful to Him for letting us know the virtue of being His disciples by taking up our cross.
Our Most Noble Example
We need to know MORE what resurrected life holds for us on the earth. Since Jesus is the author of all life both on the earth and beyond, we should rather learn from Him the dynamics of this mystery. He has the answer and all authority to satisfy us.
Jesus lived a most exemplary life on this earth. After going to places, preaching, teaching and healing all, He was led by the thinkers of this world to be tried. There, bringing all the false accusations against Him and using political influence, they refused Him life on the earth. In addition to all the mockery, cruelty and extreme hatred, He was condemned to die. They denied Him even a sip of water while He lay hung on the cross. He bore it all so that mankind may also know what resurrection is. Just to teach us a lesson of a more abundant life, it cost Him His own life.
It is pity that those who opposed Him had heard Him and seen His works. Knowing that the world was being saturated with manna and the living water that flowed from His graceful presence with signs, miracles and wonders of His teachings, their hatred, pride and traditions had blinded them. When the earth saw this pathetic attitude, it trembled. The sun in shame hid its face as the deep darkness loomed on the enemies. Nature was loudly saying that if they would not believe Him, they would not understand the power of resurrection.
Historically, religion has been tied up in traditions. Therefore, man has not been able to grasp the whole truth of many life’s gems. But the resurrection life, which once was concealed from mankind, has removed this traditional veil from our lives. It has enabled us to exchange traditions with the glory of God. It wants us to be clothed in skekinah glory. Resurrected ones need not be in the slavery of the old life traditions; just as the earth did not remain void and in darkness but did put on the glory of life. The old life was submerged in traditions and darkness. But a new day has dawned upon us. In it, one has to be let loose of the old life and its traditions. The voice of the One who created heaven and earth, called Lazarus, also calls us to this abundant life so that we might walk in His world as His emissaries, resurrected like Him.
Traditions have had a firm hold on mankind through the ages. Many doubt if healing, signs and wonders are real in Jesus’ name. They have also made us doubtful that these are ours inheritance in the Lord. In the light of Lazarus’ resurrection, it is crystal clear that healing and life are the provisions of God as manna was for the children of Israel in the desert. Lazarus’ body had decayed for four days. Yet every part of his body was restored to complete health at Jesus’ command. Praise God, this restoration proves that in Jesus’ name, every part of our body can be revived. This very power He gave to His disciples to do His works. Because He is God, He restores both physically and spiritually. The Great Commission, which was given in His resurrection, demands it The Bible tells us the result of such obedience: “the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20).
That is why, when Jesus came, mankind heard a profound message from God saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). Therefore, obedience to God requires that we listen to what Jesus said and act accordingly. Jesus came to give us abundant life, but traditions opposed Him vehemently. The then authorities asked Jesus questions about His authority for doing the works that He did. It cost Him His life, but He bore it that we might be delivered of traditions. God gave the Church resurrection, but traditions still ask the question: “By what authority doest thou these things” (Matthew 21:23)? If a person like Jesus should be condemned to die because of traditions, then the traditions should not have a place in our lives. Traditions blind us that we cannot see God’s way. Only in the absence of traditions, can we see that in the resurrection reality there is no foul odour of the past or of traditions.
The day Jesus hung on the cross, the powers of the very gates of hell were shaken. On the third day, the hordes of the enemy again trembled when, on the wings of resurrection, Jesus came forth from the enemy camp bringing with Him many captives. The morning breeze in that garden was extraordinary. In such an atmosphere, the angels hastened to announce to mankind that He is risen. The visitors to the garden, when they heard it and then saw Him, were filled with awe and joy. God wants to fill the whole world with the same awesomeness. It is all up to us to believe and rely on Him fully. For because of traditions, some doubted then and sadly many doubt today.
Jesus did His work on the earth for three years and died. He arose because there was yet work that He had to do in His resurrection on the earth. During this time He worked with His disciples and believers for forty days before His ascension. Likewise, we also have a work to do in our resurrection on this earth till our soul is caught up in yonder glory and we are with Him.
Apostle John reminding us of who we are, says: “because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17b). So, in Jesus we have our status that has no equal. The works that He did we shall do also. He worked in His resurrection, so He expects of us also. The Great Commission was given in His resurrection, and it is to be fully executed in our resurrection.
The concept of man’s relationship and status with God is not well understood by many. This mystery was fully explained in His resurrection. On that first day of the week, Jesus told Mary: “go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God” (John 20:17). He arose to tell us that in resurrection we have the same status and relationship with God as He has. Jesus did not consider it robbery to raise our status to the highest. He also said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore...” (Matthew 28:18). He commanded us to go in this world with power of the cross and the glory of His resurrection. This mighty authority is for us to do His works. It is ours when we are dead to our worldly ways of doing His works. The children of the resurrection would naturally do His works His way; for they know surely that His ways are much higher than ours.
Jesus finished His work and ascended to heaven. Before we get to heaven, we have to finish the work that He has for us. When Jesus called His disciples, He said to them: “Follow me.” In His resurrection, He said to Mary: “go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him” (Matthew 28:7). Since Jesus is going before us, let us go and meet Him.
The Scriptures say: “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). Jesus made it possible for Lazarus to have the resurrection life on earth. Likewise, from the old rugged life of the world, Church was raised to do the works that Jesus Himself did. The new life must say goodbye to the old life for the old life had gripped us with the fear of death. Then, holding our hand in His, we will work His works. With the old life’s struggles transformed, we must show forth His glory, and also work together with each other. The Church will then be glorious and multitudes everywhere will eagerly seek Jesus and find peace for their soul. Also at the feet of Jesus, there will be a great rejoicing for our joy will become His, and we will all be one in Him.
The Scriptures tell us that during the last days, the Church will be persecuted for their faith. Many, who dwindle in their faith, will prefer to cooperate with the world. At such times, the overcomers will faithfully advance Christ’s kingdom. Though they would go through trials and tribulations, they will not fear even death. They daringly will say: “O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55), for they had seen the death defeated when a command from Jesus went forth for their rising amidst all opposition.
When Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords to the earth, the Church, His bride, must be spotless. Those who have been resurrected and are still on the earth, their garments will look like the one Lazarus had at his resurrection. Such were also most probably the garments of Moses and Elijah when they appeared at the Mount of Transfiguration to meet Jesus.
The power that changes a worm into a butterfly has been seen in the saints through the ages. The disciples, the first century Christians, John Bunyan, Martin Luther, Sadhu Sunder Singh and innumerable saints through the ages have displayed this power. These lived victorious lives. They glorified God on the earth before they entered their eternal home. Many of them went from one continent to another. Some simply crossed over to their neighbours. But they went. As they went, the fragrance of Christ’s presence was very sweet and invigorating to all they met. They made many happy. As the gospel was preached and displayed with signs and wonders, salvation came to many and multitudes joined the fellowship of believers.
A transformed life is the one that Jesus wants us to live. Because Jesus is ours, His resurrection is ours also. To obtain this resurrection, Jesus by His own example showed us the importance of picking up one’s cross.
The life of resurrection is like a tree planted on the side of the river that flows from the throne of God. While the river quenches the thirst of the dry world, “the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelations 22:2). The pastures there are very pleasant. Thus those, who are revived and are planted in such a place, say: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). For there, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Psalm 23:6). He calls us to a life of resurrection. To attain this life, it caused Him death, and to us it is a life more abundant. We ought to rise and meet Him, “Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain…. And the spirit shall return unto God” (Ecclesiastes 12:6,7).
At Jesus’ Feet - Ottawa, Canada, 2005
e-mail: acparshad@hotmail.com