I See Dead People

By Pastor Christian in Thinking About Sunday on 2/8/09

This Sunday, Pastor Brandon Beals officially launched our theme for 2009 – “You-Turn”. This was the first message in a series of three. If you missed it or just want to hear it again, please visit our podcast page and look for the message titled “I see Dead People.”

There are only a handful of people ever who have experienced a “You-Turn” like that of Lazarus of Bethany – eight (8) to be exact (1. Son of the widow of Zarephath, 1 Kin. 17:17–23; 2. Shunammite’s son, 2 Kin. 4:32–37;  3. young man laid in Elisha’s sepulchre, 2 Kin. 13:21;  4. widow’s son, Luke 7:12–15;  5. Jairus’ daughter, Luke 8:49–55; 6. Dorcas, Acts 9:37–40; 7. Eutychus, Acts 20:9–12 and, 8. Jesus) I mean, come on, Lazarus was dead. Really, really, smelly, for sure dead, and then, with a simple command from Jesus, he was alive. Not just pretend alive either, not a ghost. He was a walking, talking, eating, and witnessing man causing enough of a stir that the Pharisees wanted him dead. . .again.

I’d like to suggest that John did not include this incident to simply amaze you although it IS amazing. You have to note that John wrote his Gospel way after (ome 30-years)  the others and it is therefore the most deeply theological. As a result, John is constanly fleshing out who this God man Jesus IS and what it means about the Triune God and us.

Note that the account of this miracle is preceded by Jesus’ promise that he is “the Good Shepherd that lays down his life for his sheep,” and is followed by his entrance into Jerusalem and the prediction of his own death.

Taken together these demonstrate that Jesus is in TOTAL CONTROL and that NOTHING is out of his reach nor the sphere of his concern.

So, I urge you, listen to John, take heed and be at peace,

The one who loves you and IS watching over you like a shepherd to his sheep (John 10). The Rightful King who laid down his own life for the Father on your behalf (John 12). The resurrected King of Glory who himself IS the resurrection for US and the promise of life to US (11:25). The one with easy power over life and death – HE IS THE ONE WHO SEES AND KNOWS YOU.

So, what situation is he not up to changing? What problem can he not correct? Where could he not provide a “YOU-TURN? Finances? Bad Choices? Sexual immorality? A lie? A crime?

He raised a man from the dead! He was raised from the dead himself, as he promised. He is THE POWER OF THE YOU-TURN.  He can AND is interested in engaging YOUR problem.

What is a shepherd interested in doing? Protecting, correcting, providing, and guiding sheep to safe pasture. That’s good news people, when that shepherd has the power to raise people from the dead!

That is why, we invite you to go to him this year, fall on your face, confess your situation – PRAY FOR A YOU-TURN. We are not urging as a stunt either. We believe this is God’s message for Canyon Creek this year. We are praying in earnest and believing with you for a year of incredible You-Turns! We cannot wait for the great testimonies!

Are you ready for a You-Turn?

Psalm 23: A Psalm of David.

1   The Lord is my shepherd;  shall not want.
2   He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
    He leads me beside the still waters.
3   He restores my soul;
    He leads me in the paths of righteousness
    For His name’s sake.
4   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil;
    For You are with me;
    Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5   You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
    You anoint my head with oil;
    My cup runs over.
6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    All the days of my life;
    And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. 

Back to Top