Just Like Lazarus

Therefore the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus also because he was the reason many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus. - John 12:10-11

We have all heard the phrase "guilt by association," but a good question to ask might be, "Guilty of what?."

Lazarus, friend of Jesus, died, only to be raised from the dead four days later by the Son of God. Sounds like a good deal, right? On the surface, certainly, but life as a living illustration of Christ's power also made him a target of those who hated the same. Does it still sound like a good deal to you?

Well, it should. What threat is death to a man who no longer fears it? We who follow Christ should all be guilty of a powerful change and clear witness by our association with Him. Like Lazarus, we walk about as living illustrations of the Savior's power and having already "died to self" should no longer fear to live for Him.

Guilty by our association, but also fearlessly following the One who saved us, just like Lazarus.

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. - Billy Graham