The Lazarus Project
one who regained life
Everyone has a story. That can be said of everyone who has ever existed. Everyone has been at the top of their game at some point but has also hit their version of rock bottom. Being down may be a real moment of hardship and humiliation. But there is so much more to it than that. In hitting rock bottom, it is then that we get to meet THE Rock.
Going back in time over 2 thousand years ago, when Lazarus died, it is made clear that Jesus waited 4 days before going to him. And everyone asked why... After 4 days in the tomb, it was for certain that natural processes had begun to take place, and there was no hope for Lazarus. He was gone. The enemy of every human, death, had prevailed. But the enemy hadn't considered that in times like these, Christ does his finest work. When all hope seems to be lost, that is when He shows up.
"The Lazarus Project" is built around this truth. No body wants to hit rock bottom, but so many times, this is when we are open enough to hear the truth and The Holy Spirit can begin working on us. After this, if we surrender, we suddenly begin new, acquiring different tools and talents to begin training for our new roll in His Kingdom. In this life, these tools we acquire may come in the form of discernment as to what is good for us, that we may "cleanse" the temples we have been given so that the Holy spirit might dwell within us. We have new strength and desires to retire old ways that were destructive to us in every way before. We suddenly have a new idea of what living looks like. Trying new, delicious but healthful foods, finding beautiful ways to be creative or move our bodies which increases our strength, flexibility and endurance and promotes mental clarity. After Jesus would heal those in need, he often said these words, " Go, and sin no more.". He saves and heals us, but it's up to us to not reopen doors he shuts and to try, as best we can to keep our temples pure. That is the goal of the Lazarus Project. To grow and learn together, feeding our souls in new, healthy ways leaving the old ways behind and to follow Him.
The Death of Lazarus
1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary
17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35Jesus wept. 36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Jesus Raises Lazarus
38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. 40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. - JOHN 11 KJV