I remember learning to march. The drill instructor was very patient and repeated a command as many times as necessary for all of us to get it. We carried refreshments around with us on our belts. We smiled a lot. It was spring. It was beautiful. Or maybe not…
The point is, when a command was given, we obeyed it. The drill sergeant’s job was to teach us the mindset necessary for military service. Military service stops at discharge, retirement, or death. There is a greater service; however, that goes on into eternity. There is a voice, one so much better and more powerful than any drill sergeant – and it calls us into eternity. What is that voice? It is the voice of Jesus.
In John 11:43, Jesus called to His friend, Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for four days, but since Lazarus was one of Jesus’ sheep (a discussion that starts in John 10), Lazarus heard Jesus’ voice. A powerful voice that said, “Lazarus, come forth!” And although Lazarus had died four days earlier, he obeyed the voice. That is what God’s people do – they obey God.
Jesus did not call again and again. He did not bargain with Lazarus or listen to any objections. He called, and Lazarus obeyed. Would you be obedient to the voice of Jesus? When you die, would you wait to listen for Jesus calling your name? Will you become God’s person by obeying Him? Let’s sit down over an open Bible and study together what God tells us today!
It would be great to see you Sunday. Don’t sit at home alone!
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
