Lazarus

Dear Pilgrims-

I saw a trailer for a new film that just came out. It is called The Lazarus Effect – named after the Bible story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The problem with the movie scenario is that the serum used to revive a dead woman brought the spirit back from hell – and as you can imagine what follows makes for a ghastly horror movie. When you watch the trailer, you’ll see a quick flash of a black screen with John 11 imprinted on it. If you blink, you’ll miss it. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGfOyzyK2cQ ]

Why has this zombie theme been so popular in the history of novels and films? The Frankenstein monster -- those brought back from the dead – are always frightening and evil. If they all are inspired by John 11, they sure got it all wrong. When Lazarus was raised from the dead, he continued to live out his life just as he always had with his two sisters. He was no monster.

The Walking Dead TV series, inspired by the vintage film, The Night of the Living Dead, is a mockery of the true resurrection we saints anticipate. When the dead in Christ rise first, and we are transformed from mortal to immortality, we won’t be spooky at all. When we come back in our resurrected bodies to rule and reign with Christ, we’ll be glorious and beautiful. The only fear we’ll invoke to mortals will be holy fear and reverence.

I honestly believe that when we are caught up into heaven, to the place where Jesus said He would prepare for us, when we get there it will really feel like home, sweet home. It will not be a strange place for us. We will feel very comfortable – nothing scary about it.  If you are feeling homesick for a place you’ve never been – that’s what your heart is longing for.

The world can have its zombie stories – because without Jesus that is the horror that awaits them. All the cheap thrills and chills the world now gets attending such movies will be even more of a nightmare when they find themselves at the Great White Throne Judgment.

Our resurrection from the dead is described in this passage:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

-- 1 Cor. 2:9

I hope this new film that directs the lost to John 11 will be a shout out to the audience that they have a choice to make. Choose Jesus and you’ll be blessed like Lazarus, reject Jesus and you’ll resemble the woman and dog displayed in this movie. Pray they will see the obvious.

"Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” -- John 11:23-26

"And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. "- Rev 22:1-3