This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:14 NIV
Exposed to the Light
One of the most interesting Canadian experiences we’ve had was to be in Yellowknife on June 21 for Raven Mad Daze – the longest day of the year in Canada’s arctic. The event is held over the Summer Solstice, and roads get close to traffic as thousands party in the streets and stay up late with the sun. We enjoyed such things as Inuit and Dene singers, drummers, and dancers, Inuit throat singers, along with displays of arts and crafts.
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Have you ever thought about the Lazarus story from his perspective. The brother of Mary and Martha had died, and a few days passed between the time of his demise and Jesus’ arrival. The body was already in a state of decay – and Jesus’ resurrection hadn’t taken place, so his soul would have been in Sheol, awaiting that great moment. Then those three words from the Creator pierced the silence – “Lazarus, come out.” Instantly, the decay is healed, the soul is restored, and the dead walks out. The story of Lazarus is one for all of us. The Bible says that we are all dead in our transgressions and sin. All have experienced the soul decay, the lack of hope and peace. So, Paul writes in Ephesians 5:14, “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’” Jesus calls each of us from the death and decay of sin into His healing, life-giving presence. He calls us from the darkness of a burial tomb into the light of His love and grace. It’s time to wake up.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley