Rise Up

Have you ever been knocked down before? Was it physically, mentally or spiritually? Perhaps you have experienced it in all three ways. Growing up, I can remember playing basketball against my dad in the front drive way. During those games, Dad had one rule: no blood, no foul. And, for those of you who know my dad, you can imagine there were a lot of fouls! After knocking me down, he would also extend his hand to me and say, "Get up." When you do get put on your backseat, regardless of the way it happens, the challenge is to get back up.

There are many examples of people getting knocked down in the Bible. In John (11:1-44) we read of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. On its surface, this passage reads about the physical death (knocking down) and resurrection (rising up) of Lazarus. There is no doubt that this is one of the wondrous miracles performed by Jesus during His time on earth. But what if Lazarus rising (up) from the dead also revealed something else? By allowing Lazarus to die, Jesus provided an opportunity for the glory of God to be revealed in his resurrection. Look in verse 24 where he tells Martha, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

In The Book of Mark (5:22-24, 35-42) Jesus goes to a young girl who is feared dead. As Jesus stood over the girl, He proclaimed that she was not dead but simply asleep and the world laughed at Him (as it often does to you and I about our faith). Despite their laughter and disbelief, Jesus simply took the young girl by her hand and said, Arise.

We also read in The Book of Acts where Jesus knocked Saul down physically, mentally and spiritually in order for Him to transform his life and become one of, if not the greatest evangelists of all time.

Are you feeling knocked down? Is your faith being challenged? Do times seem tough? Or, is God knocking at your door as He did in The Book of Revelation 3:20). If so, I offer you the same advice my Father offered me: GET UP.

Pastor Aaron