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“MARVEL NOT AT THIS”
“Marvel not at this– for the hour is coming, in which all who are in the graves
shall hear his voice– and shall come forth; those who have done good, unto the
resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, unto the resurrection of
damnation” - John 5:28-29
These words of Christ were in answer to the Jews’ charge of blasphemy and
Sabbath breaking when He healed the impotent man by the pool of Bethesda (Jn 5:
5, 10, 18). On this occasion, Jesus professed Himself not only the Lord of the
Sabbath, but also the Lord of life and death. By His power, the resurrection of
the dead would be brought to pass. “Marvel not at this – at My strange discourse
– do not wonder to hear me, Whom you despise and disdain, for the day is coming,
in which the dead (including all skeptics) shall be raised by My power.”
“All who are in the graves”
Yes, all the dead bodies of men, howsoever disposed of, in every kind of grave -
some are buried, some burnt to ashes, some drowned, and buried in the bellies of
fish; some devoured by wild beasts or cannibals. But whatever the matter or
substance of the body, thence they “shall come forth.”
One may object, “How can men’s bodies be raised up again, after they are reduced
to dust, and the ashes of many generations are mingled together?” “With men this
is impossible; but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19: 26). Cannot the
Almighty Creator Who created all things out of nothing, regather the remains and
raise up man’s body? “It is absurd for men to deny that God can do a thing,
because they see not how it may be done. How small a portion do we know of His
ways! How absolutely incapable are we of conceiving distinctly of the extent of
almighty power, and much more of comprehending its actings, and method of
procedure! I question not, but many illiterate men are as great unbelievers as
to many chemical experiments, as some learned men are to the doctrine of the
resurrection – and as these last are ready to deride the former, so, ‘the Lord
will have them in derision’” –Boston
God can and will raise the dead. The following are instances of this powerful
work of God in the Old and New Testament.
Old Testament: The son of the widow of Zarephath (1Ki 17:17-23); the Shunammite
woman’s son (II Ki 4: 32-37); the young man laid in Elisha’s grave (II Ki 13:
21)
New Testament: The widow’s son in Nain (Lk 7:12-15); Jairus’ daughter (Lk 8:
49-55); Lazarus (Jn 11: 43-44 ); Dorcas (Acts 9: 37-40); Eutychus (Acts 20:
9-12)
“All who are in the graves” – all the dead of every age and nation - both the
godly and ungodly – “shall hear His voice.” There is a great difference between
the godly and the wicked, in their life, and in their death; so will there be
also in their resurrection.
Resurrection of life
The godly shall be raised out of their graves to be partakers of eternal life
and glory. It is also called the resurrection of life, because “there shall be
no more death” (Rev. 21: 4). “The enjoyment of God Himself and of His works; of
the society of the angels and of the redeemed; freedom from sickness, and sin,
and dying, will constitute the life of the just in the resurrection. The
resurrection is also called the resurrection of the just (Lk. 14: 14), and the
first resurrection (Rev. 20: 5-6)” – Albert Barnes.
Resurrection of damnation
The ungodly, on the other hand, shall be raised by the power of Christ, as a
just Judge, Who is to render vengeance to His enemies. The same divine power
which kept their bodies in the grave, as in a prison, shall bring them forth,
that soul and body together may receive the dreadful sentence of eternal
damnation, and be shut up together in the prison of hell. They shall come forth
from their graves with unspeakable horror and consternation to face His
judgement, shame and everlasting contempt (Dan. 12: 2). One commentator aptly
puts it : “What hideous crying then must there be, when at the sound of the last
trumpet, the earth and sea shall open their mouths, and cast forth all the
wicked world, delivering them up to the dreadful Judge!”
Conclusion
Today, as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, we remember our Lord’s power over
death and the grave. How will we face Him when the time comes? What is our
response to Christ? Is He truly our Lord and Saviour? Take heed. How we live our
lives now determines our eternal destiny – whether it be the resurrection of
life or the resurrection of damnation. May His voice reach the hearts of those
dead in sin that they may do works “meet for repentance,” and be prepared for
the day when we shall be raised to come before His presence. Amen.
- Pastor
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