Many of us remember that incredible moment when Yeshua called out to Lazarus from the tomb. The joke is often made that if Yeshua had gone to that cemetery and given a general call, ‘Come out,’ how many bodies and souls would have risen from their burial caves at that moment? How many dead would have come back to life?
However, in this case, Yeshua specifically called Lazarus by name. Using that same reasoning, will Yeshua also call us by our names on the Day of the Rapture when the trumpet sounds? Calling us by name indicates a deep intimacy and closeness, as shown in John 10 when it says that the Shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Remember when Yeshua said, “Mary,” and with that call, Mary of Magdala recognized the Messiah. How many times in the past might she have already heard her name called by Him?
Let’s return for a moment, back to the burial cave. When Yeshua called out, there was no hesitation on Lazarus’ part. He did not say, “Oh Jesus, please wait—I’m all tied up now” or “I’m not ready to come out—I’m resting in peace.” How is it that Lazarus came out with no hesitation, while we, in this life, make so many excuses not to follow Jesus when called?
Lazarus’ perfect obedience demonstrates the unique and sovereign power of God over life in this act of recreation—this resurrection. It was not so much a test of free will (whether Lazarus would come out or not) as it was Yeshua’s demonstration of His authority over life and death. His creative power was revealed when He healed the man born blind, echoing the Genesis account where the Lord said, “Let there be light.” He also displayed irresistible power over creation when He calmed the storm and when He sent the demons into the pigs. In both cases, nature and the demonic world alike surrendered to His authority.
If some believers today think that there isn’t a rapture or have an opinion concerning its timing, when the Lord blows the trumpet and calls, nothing, not even the greatest forces of gravity, will hold us back from His command to come up. When the Lord calls us home in resurrection, it will not be a matter of choice on our part, but according to His power over life and death.
What do we glean from Lazarus’ resurrection? When we think there is no life—when all seems dead—Jesus has the power to resurrect, to restore, and to give life to what seems beyond hope. The resurrection of Lazarus also foreshadows the day when we will be raised and glorified. In that moment, with an incorruptible nature and with our will perfectly aligned to God’s, we will walk in perfect obedience—always ready to come when He calls.