LEARNING FROM THE RESURRECTION ACCOUNTS

The Bible teaches that the dead "are conscious of nothing at all."  They are not alive and have no conscious existence anywhere.  The account of Lazarus confirms this.  Upon returning to life, did Lazarus thrill people with descriptions of heaven? Or did he terrify them with horrible tales about a burning hell?  No.  The Bible contains no such words from Lazarus.  During the four days that he was dead, he had been "conscious of nothing at all."  (Ecclesiastes 9:5) Lazarus had simply  been sleeping in death. -John 11:11. 

The account of Lazarus also teaches us that the resurrection  is a reality, not a mere myth.  Jesus raised Lazarus in front of  a crowd of eyewitnesses.  Even the religious leaders, who hated Jesus, did not deny this miracle.  Rather, they said:  "What are we to do, because this man [Jesus] performs many signs?"   (John 11:47) Many people went to see the resurrected man. As a result, even more of them put faith in Jesus.  They saw in Lazarus living living proof that Jesus was sent by God.  This evidence was so powerful that some of the hardhearted Jewish religious leaders planned to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. -John 11:53; 12:9-11. 

Is it unrealistic to accept the resurrection as a fact?  No, for Jesus taught that someday "all those in the memorial tombs" will be resurrected .  (John 5:28)  Jehovah is the Creator of all life.  Should it be hard to believe that he re-create life?  Of course, much would depend on Jehovah's memory. (which is also perfect) Can he remember our dead loved ones?  Countless trillions of stars fill the universe, yet God gives the name of each one!  (Isaiah 40:26)  So Jehovah God can remember  our dead loved ones in every detail, and he is ready to restore them to life. 

How, though, does Jehovah feel about resurrecting the dead?  The faithful man Job asked: "If an able-bodied man dies can he live again?"  Job was speaking about waiting in the grave until the time came for God to remember him.  He said to Jehovah: "You will call, and I myself shall answer you.  For  the work of your hands you will have a yearning." -Job 14:13-15. 

Just think!  Jehovah actually yearns to bring the dead back to life.  Is it not heartwarming to learn that Jehovah feels that way? But what about this future resurrection? Who will be resurrected, and where?  

Next time: "ALL THOSE IN THE MEMORIAL TOMBS"

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 2005 and 2006