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2023 - Right-wing Dutch populist Geert Wilders' Freedom Party unexpectedly wins more seats than any other party in the country's general election.

With friends like his, Job didn't need enemies. His three would-be comforters failed miserably in their efforts to ease his pain. Instead of bringing sympathy, they delivered accusations that only compounded his anguish.

Yet Job was able to emerge triumphantly from his cave of pain and confusion, just as Elija had done from his (1Kings 19:9-18). A significant step toward that victory was his willingness to pray for the very friends who had criticized and accused him. God honoured his prayers, and Job had the delight of seeing his friends turn to God for forgiveness (Job 42:7-10).

Jesus also prayed for His friends (John 17:6-19), despite their frequent failings. With the agony of the cross approaching, Jesus prayed for Peter even though He knew Peter would deny Him within hours (Luke 22:31-34).

Jesus prayed for you and me too (John 17:20-26). His work of prayer, which began before His death and resurrection, continues to this day. Although we sometimes act more like His enemies than His friends, Jesus is in the Father's presence interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Following Christ's example, we are to pray for our friends and acquaintances... even when they hurt us. Is there someone you can pray for today?

 I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this.  John 11:25-26. References from  John 11:1-44.

The so-called immortality industry is working hard to develop artificial body parts and prolong human life. According to one news story, Scientists believe many of the human body parts that wear out eventually can be replaced, extending and dramatically altering the lives of people who are desperately ill.

An artificial heart is already a reality, and inventions currently being tested in humans include artificial blood and an artificial liver. Doctors have also created for damaged hearts a booster pump-type device, which they hope will become as common as pacemakers.

As we learn in today's reading, those seeking eternal life need look no further than Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life (v25). This is His fifth 'I am' statement in John, and His resurrection of Lazarus is the seventh and final 'sign miracle' recorded in this Gospel.

The miracle was straightforward, an act of tremendous power that demonstrated Jesus power over life and death. It also supported His claim that He was free to lay down and take up His life (10:18). Why did He wait so long before going to Bethany? As in the case of the blind man in John 9, the ultimate purpose of Lazarus suffering was God's glory (v4, 40). As much as Christ loved His friends, He loved God's glory even more!

Tradition held that the soul of a dead person hovered near the body for three days, so to point out that Lazarus had been dead four days put the death beyond question and removed any reason to doubt the miracle.

After their initial questions about Jesus' delay, Martha and Mary both responded in faith. Martha's confession (v27) is one of the highlights of the Gospel and connects directly to its purpose of inspiring belief. 

The brave but confused disciples, who thought Jesus was walking into danger, also had their faith strengthened (v15). Others witnessed the miracle, too; the typical mourning period was 30 days, during which time many people visited to grieve with and comfort the family.

What about the response of history? The village of Bethany today is called el Azariyeh, the place of Lazarus.

The seven sign miracles recorded in John demonstrate the power and capacity of Jesus. We also have a sign ministry and a signs church... every meeting there are miracles sign and wonders.