Best Comfort Ever!

-John 11:11-44
Today, I miss our Daddy very much, sometimes I feel the pain of loss to be very strong, grief feels unbearable at times. How do we know that the resurrection will really happen? It is at times like this, it is important to pray, then read comforting words from the scriptures, reflecting on Bible examples, in this way I can feel the comfort from Our Heavenly Father.
(2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)


The Bible account of Jesus resurrecting his friend Lazarus was "...written for our instruction, that ... through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who supplies... comfort grant you to have among yourselves the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." -Romans 15:4, 5.

This inspired account teaches us many things regarding the resurrection hope. It truly gives comfort when we consider Jesus' attitude. The Bible says, "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." (John 11:5) How did Jesus feel about losing his friend? This account tells us plainly that Jesus joined Lazarus' relatives and friends as they grieved over this loss. In fact, Jesus was deeply moved. Jesus actually "groaned in spirit and became troubled." Then the account continues, "Jesus gave way to tears." (John 11:33, 35) Did Jesus' grief mean he had no hope? No, in fact Jesus knew something wonderful was about to happen. Still, he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings. Realizing it is only natural that we weep, that this does not mean we are weak in faith gives me much comfort. Jesus always perfectly reflected the feelings of his Heavenly Father, Jehovah who is able to fight and overcome death! (Romans 12:15) How? Look what Jesus now does!

After being in the grave four days, Jesus had the stone moved away and cried out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come on out. The man who had been dead came out." -John 11:43, 44.

Imagine the joy of those who were there to see their friend standing with them again! They must have hugged and kissed him! How they must have rejoiced! Jesus did not claim to perform this miracle on his own. In his prayer, right before he called out to Lazarus, he made it clear that his Heavenly Father, Jehovah was the Source of the resurrection.

Yes, we know that the resurrection is a reality, not a myth. Jesus raised Lazarus in front of a crowd of eyewitnesses. Even the religious leaders, who hated Jesus, did not deny this miracle! (John 11:47)

Jesus taught that someday, "all those in the memorial tombs " will be resurrected. (John 5:28)
The resurrection of Lazarus is just one of nine miracles of this kind recorded in the scriptures.
In fact, some of these accounts gave Martha evidence on which to base her faith.

I Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37; 13:20, 21.

Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-56; John 11:11-44

Matthew 28:5-7; Acts 9:36-42; 20:7-12

I especially appreciated and was encouraged by the fact that, all those resurrected are welcomed back by their loved ones. It is my hope based on God's promises that I too will be able to welcome back to paradise, not only our Daddy, but also, our Uncle David, Uncle Bruce, Aunt Dorthy, our Grandparents, Carrie and Joe, Ruby and Homer, and many, many others who we miss. Jesus said, "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out."
-John 5:28, 29.
The apostle Paul wrote: "There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous."- Acts 24:15.

May these words be faith strengthening to My dear mother who has always set the best example she can and the rest of us mourning our loss, may we follow the example of Jesus in exercising fellow feeling for one another.

I Love You, Momma!