Revival: Calleth For Thee

This Bethany house and family, situated not quite two miles out of Jerusalem, was one of Christ's pleasant homes, where he could sleep and rest. I think their old parents were dead, and had left the homestead to this one son and two daughters. The Saviour had often visited that home, and loved the brother and the two sisters, and they loved him. They, no doubt, had one particular room they called Christ's room, and one place at their table they called Christ's place. Although he was the God-man, equal with the Father, yet he seemed like one of their own family.

But it happened then, as it often does now, when death enters a family, he takes the one that it is the hardest to part with. Death came for the only man in the family. But I think the sisters were not much alarmed as long as they knew Christ was within a few hours' walk of them. They believed he would come and heal him. But he grew worse, and they sent a messenger after Christ, with a love message, "Lord, he whom thou lovest is sick."

Lazarus grew worse, and sank down rapidly. I imagine Mary said, "Martha, look down the road, and see if Christ is not coming. Do look again; he is dying." When our friends are sick, and the doctor delays, minutes seem hours. And, by the way, any thing but a slow doctor. Lazarus died, and Christ had not come yet. They carried him out and buried him the same evening. You all know how a home appears after a funeral. There is a coat and a hat, a doll and a plaything, to remind you that a dear one is gone. Just such a home that was.

The night came on, and Christ had not come. Three days passed, and he had not come yet. Mary's heart was crushed. Finally they heard that Christ was within a few hours' walk of them. Martha went alone after Jesus, but Mary sat still in the house. Christ's talk with Martha so changed and cheered her feelings that she went back after Mary, and said to her, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." Martha appeared and spoke so differently, her tone of voice and countenance all so changed, that Mary rose at once and went, although she thought she would not.

I often use this tender and impressive incident in this way, by analogy, that the circumstances connected with Lazarus being raised from the dead are like the circumstances in a revival.

First, they sent for Jesus, but did not go. So, in a revival, there is often an undue reliance on foreign help.

Second, only part of the family went first. Mary was not going to do a thing. So, in a revival, only part of the church start first. The rest, like Mary, do not intend to go into the work.

Third, Martha got her own heart warm, then she could talk with effect with Mary. So, in a revival, a few go first, and get their hearts warm, then go after Mary or the rest.

Fourth, when Mary and Martha both went, the whole neighborhood turned out. So, in a revival, when Christians get their hearts warm, the community about them are aroused and turn out.

Fifth, they had a weeping, groaning time before Lazarus was raised. So, in a revival, Christians weep between the porch and the altar.

Sixth, they had to remove the stone before Lazarus could come forth. So, in a revival, stumblingblocks must be removed.

Seventh, when they had done what they could, they could stand still and see God's salvation. So in a revival.

Eighth, Lazarus came forth bound with grave-clothes, and must be loosed. So, in a revival, men are converted, but need help from the church.

Ninth, that miracle raised in Bethany a monument to Christ's divinity. So does a healthy revival in any place.

Let all Christians learn by this incident and analogy how to work in leading men to Christ. "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." -- A. B. Earle, From: "Incidents Used ... In His Meetings," published in 1888 SELECTED SERMON ILLUSTRATIONS