The man who was dead for four days, Lazarus, is commanded by Jesus, on the authority of God, to come out of the tomb. This is not fantasy; this is reality. And Jesus did this in the sight of many so that they would know that He was the One sent from God.

The Bible is clear: there is no place in this universe outside of God' presence. In the Old Testament, we see the Great I Am. In the New Testament, we see God incarnate, Jesus Christ. Since Pentecost, we see the Holy Spirit indwelling every believer. God's presence doesn't change - He is still the same everywhere!

In this intensely emotional moment, Jesus is troubled, actually angry, at the consequences of sin and death in the wolrd. Although He Himself is moved to tears, He is still in total control of the situation.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is God's path to salvation; that will never change. And so, we see that God's salvation is immutable. Let's dive in!

Before Jesus comes into Bethany, Martha meets Him and shares her disappointment. Yes, she believes Lazarus will rise again, but is resurrection is some dim and misty future concept? No, for Jesus is the resurrection and life! It is a reality in Him.

God is faithful; He does not falter or fail when it comes to faithfulness. Nobody can doubt or question God's ability to keep His promises and do what He says He will do. Let's learn more about His immutable faithfulness!

The disciples did not have an idea of the Resurrection yet, but their statement that Lazarus would be saved from his sickness by falling asleep is a comment about the certainty of our eternity after we die. Indeed, we shall be saved from the sickness of sin and these fallen bodies. Also, Jesus is glad... why? Because He is certain of the outcome!

Mercy is not receving what is due to us (wrath); grace is receiving what we do not deserve (forgiveness). It God's unchanging, continuous mercy towards us that enables us to receive those wonderful gifts from Him as well. Let's learn some more about His mercy!

Ananias's reservations about Saul are absolutely rational. But with God, the impossible becomes possible; the persecutor becomes the instrument. And it is by God's great grace that Ananias goes and lays hands on "Brother Saul"!

In the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, we see two very different people who lead two very different lives. Even though they experience one commanality in that they die, their paths once again diverge: one to eternal anguish; one to eternal comfort. But their differences were not merely outwardly, but fundamentally internally. One had true saving faith; one did not. Let's see what we can learn from this parable!