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The Desire of Ages
statements regarding the most wonderful manifestations of the power
of God. When Christ raised to life the daughter of Jairus, He had
said, “The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.”
Mark 5:39
. As she had
been sick only a short time, and was raised immediately after death,
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the Pharisees declared that the child had not been dead; that Christ
Himself had said she was only asleep. They had tried to make it appear
that Christ could not cure disease, that there was foul play about His
miracles. But in this case, none could deny that Lazarus was dead.
When the Lord is about to do a work, Satan moves upon someone
to object. “Take ye away the stone,” Christ said. As far as possible,
prepare the way for My work. But Martha’s positive and ambitious
nature asserted itself. She was unwilling that the decomposing body
should be brought to view. The human heart is slow to understand
Christ’s words, and Martha’s faith had not grasped the true meaning
of His promise.
Christ reproved Martha, but His words were spoken with the utmost
gentleness. “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou
shouldest see the glory of God?” Why should you doubt in regard
to My power? Why reason in opposition to My requirements? You
have My word. If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God.
Natural impossibilities cannot prevent the work of the Omnipotent
One. Skepticism and unbelief are not humility. Implicit belief in
Christ’s word is true humility, true self-surrender.
“Take ye away the stone.” Christ could have commanded the stone
to remove, and it would have obeyed His voice. He could have bidden
the angels who were close by His side to do this. At His bidding,
invisible hands would have removed the stone. But it was to be taken
away by human hands. Thus Christ would show that humanity is to
co-operate with divinity. What human power can do divine power
is not summoned to do. God does not dispense with man’s aid. He
strengthens him, co-operating with him as he uses the powers and
capabilities given him.
The command is obeyed. The stone is rolled away. Everything
is done openly and deliberately. All are given a chance to see that
no deception is practiced. There lies the body of Lazarus in its rocky
grave, cold and silent in death. The cries of the mourners are hushed.
Surprised and expectant, the company stand around the sepulcher,
waiting to see what is to follow.