Wednesday, November 16, 2011
1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
ALL WILL BE RAISED
The infidel, Robert Ingersoll, used to tell this story: "I was never thrown off balance except once. One night I was lecturing and took occasion to show that the resurrection of Lazarus was probably a hoax dreamed up to bolster the waning fortunes of Jesus. Lazarus was to take sick and die. His sisters were to bury him and send for Jesus. Lazarus was to feign death until Jesus arrived and said: 'Lazarus, come out.' To emphasize the situation, I said: 'Can anyone explain to me why it was necessary for Jesus to speak the words, "Lazarus, come out"?' Down by the door an elderly man stood up and with a shrill voice said, 'Yes, I can tell you. If my Lord had not said, "Lazarus," He would have had the whole graveyard in Bethany coming out to Him!'"
Such is the power of Jesus. He who once singled out Lazarus to show His power over death will on the Last Day raise up all the dead. And what a tremendous spectacle it will be!
-- Adapted from "That I May Know Him" by Oswald Riess
A multitude comes from the east and the west To sit at the feast of salvation
With Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the blest, Obeying the Lord's invitation.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
O God, let us hear when our Shepherd shall call In accents persuasive and tender,
That, while there is time, we make haste, one and all, And find Him, our mighty Defender!
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
All trials shall be like a dream that is past, Forgotten all trouble and mourning.
All questions and doubts have been answered at last; When rises the light of that morning.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
The heavens shall ring with an anthem more grand Than ever on earth was recorded.
The blest of the Lord shall receive at His hand The crown to the victors awarded.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
(Lutheran Service Book, 510)
