So when Jesus came, He found that He had already been in the tomb four days. (John 11:17)
Jewish custom taught that the spirit of a man resided near the dead body for three days and then departed. Jesus purposely waited till the fourth day to prove to the people that Lazarus surely was dead and his spirit was departed. Jesus proved the awesome power of God time after time. Lazarus was raised at the right time to show the depth of death that had taken place and how God takes what is dead and rotting and brings it new life and restoration.
Years ago I was sick, dying and in an impossible place and the Lord spoke to me to start Lazarus Ministries. I didn’t know what God had planned, but I knew His ways were higher than our ways. The name Lazarus in Hebrew means “God helped” and surely God has helped me. God had allowed me to reach the fourth day in my life to show people that even the impossible can happen, only believe. The restoration that has started and the miracles that followed are amazing. What is most wonderful is God’s love and mercy.
If you feel as if you are in the fourth day of your life and that there is no help for you, then look up for your redemption draws nigh and your Redeemer lives, He is Jesus. He has come to raise you from the dead. We are a modern day Lazarus and right now, Jesus says to you, “come forth!” Rise and be healed in the name of Jesus. The smell and rot of death must bow its knee to Jesus and life will come forth. Be encouraged for there is nothing too difficult for God, absolutely nothing.
TMMC-The Teaching Ministry of Michael Cannatello