John 11:32-44 All Saints Day Year B 1st November 2009
Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
John 11:32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." 40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Daily Telegraph 13 Apr 2009; "A survey of 2,060 people showed 53 per cent believe in life after death, 55 per cent believe in heaven and 70 per cent believe in the human soul. The study carried out between October and November last year for the public theology think tank Theos also showed nearly four in 10, or 39 per cent, believe in ghosts and more than a quarter (27 per cent) believe in reincarnation.
Theos director Paul Woolley said: "The enlightenment optimism in the ability of science and reason to explain everything ended decades ago. "The extent of belief will probably surprise people, but the finding is consistent with other research we have undertaken. The results indicate that people have a very diverse and unorthodox set of beliefs."
Is there life after death?
1) Many people have some belief, though it may be rather vague and ill defined. I have heard it said that there was a feeling that a loved one is "watching over us", or has "gone to be with Jesus".
I would like to suggest that this is linked to the fact that we are created by God and for God, see Col. 1:16. The way we were created results in a longing for a close relationship that can only be found in a relationship with God. We yearn for something that can only be found outside what we experience on earth.
2) Jesus is evidence that there is life after death. Not just through the raising of Lazarus. After all, Jesus gave Lazarus life again but that would be taken away later. However, the raising of Lazarus proved that Jesus had power over death and that he was the Christ.
The resurrection of Jesus proved that there is life after death. Not just that God could raise one man, Jesus, but that he is the first of many who would follow him through death into resurrection life. In case we are skeptical about this, it is recorded that over 500 people saw the risen Jesus, 1 Cor. 15:6. The body was never found. Dispirited, scared followers were turned into brave witnesses.
From the moment God created the first human being he wanted us to have a right relationship with him. The Bible is a story of God's faithfulness to that vision. Time and time again he pursues his people, calling them back to himself through the prophets and through circumstances. Finally, he produces his ultimate revelation, Jesus. Jesus showed us what God is like. Jesus opened the way back to God through his life, death, and resurrection. Those who die to their old life can know new life in Jesus, in this life, and forever. Resurrection is rooted in the very nature of God. He is a God of who gives life, a God who redeems.
3) Scriptural promises, see Revelation 21:1-6.
Few could say that they do not want such a life. A beautiful dwelling place with God, with no more pain, death, mourning, sickness and disorder. No more thirsting for things that do not satisfy. Believers will receive perfect resurrection bodies like Jesus and be with God and all other believers who have ever lived.
What are the results of this resurrection life?
Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Resurrection life gives a focus, a reason for living. We can concentrate on things eternal, not of earth. 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Gives a meaning for life, certain hope for ourselves and loved ones who have died in Christ. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
We are all "saints", the Greek word haggoi which is translated "saints" means those who are set apart for and by God. We can be confident that one day all of God's "saints" will be together, united with him in paradise.