September 19

Lazarus, come forth.—John ii. 43.

WHAT wondrous effects often followed the uttering of a single sentence by the Son of God. What numerous practical exhibitions we have of the "word of his power." He once addressed the tempest of the Galilean lake, and said, "peace, be still," and there was an instant calm. At another time, he spake to a legion of devils, which possessed the wretched demoniac, and said, "come out of the man," and they trembled before him, and came out of the man. To Lepers he had but to say, "be ye clean," and at once they were cleansed. And now, standing by the grave of Lazarus, who had been dead four days, he exerted the same almighty voice, and said, "Lazarus, come forth," and immediately he lived, and heard, and came forth. Observe a few things connected with this illustrious miracle. See the piety with which it was distinguished: he lifted up his eyes to heaven, adored the Father, and gave him thanks, and blessed him, because he was always heard of him. By prayer and thanksgiving did Jesus hallow the miraculous actions of his life. Then the miracle was distinguished also for great affection. Lazarus had been his beloved friend. It was at his grave that the eyes of Jesus were suffused with tears, until the spectators observed it, and said, "Behold, how he loved him!" Then there was also the power and glory of this miracle: to give life to the dead — to raise from the grave, after the spirit had been disembodied four days. Jesus had on one occasion given life to the ruler's daughter immediately after death: he had raised the widow's son as they were bearing him to the place of burial. But now, he not only conquers death, but brings Lazarus forth from the habitation of mortality, and thus spoils the grave itself. What power does Jesus possess! What glory belongs to his illustrious name! Who would not fear before him? Well may raptured hosts exclaim, as they worship at his feet, "Blessing, and honour, and power, and glory, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever."