April 4

"I am the Resurrection."—John 11:25.

JESUS raises the dead. There is no captive of the King of terrors held in such thraldom that the strong Son of God cannot undo the bars and open the great iron gate of the dungeon.

Perhaps, like the little daughter of Jairus, I am newly overcome and vanquished by the enemy. I have not lain long yet under the shackles of my trespasses and sins. Into my young and opening soul the tempter is instilling his poison. Death has just claimed me for its own, and I have only commenced to sink down and down into its wretchedness and abyss.

Perhaps, like the widow's son at Nain, I have been under the cold and tyrannous sceptre of the adversary for a longer time. To-day they are carrying me out to bury me. It is apparent that I have forfeited all spiritual vitality and vigour; there is no doubt of it. I have strayed many a weary mile from my first love. In God's sight I am lost to life and use and name and fame.

Perhaps, like Lazarus in his Bethany grave, the process of decay and corruption has set in. In my face, in my conversation, in my behaviour, there are sad traces of the presence and masterhood of the evil thing. I have fallen low indeed. I have wandered far into the distant land. Everybody sees that I have fought and finished a sinful fight.

But "behold a man raised up by Christ!" Let my death have gained over me what grasp and empire it may, Jesus is able and willing to deliver me. His Cross cancels its condemnation, His Spirit terminates its rule, His gospel peals forth the joyous news of its overthrow and destruction. With Him is the Fountain of Life.