Cue the Music Crescendo! (John 11:43-44)

Ever watch a silent movie? Many years ago, I attended a special showing of a classic silent movie. What made this showing unique was the theater where the movie was projected had music performed live by an organist, exactly as it would have been done during the original showing. It was quite an experience, hearing the swells of the organ matching the movie plot. The anxious expressions of the actors were complemented by the growing tension in the music. And then, at the climax of the movie, the organ music crescendoed into a final catharsis! Wow! Modern movie soundtracks owe so much to these pioneers of movie soundtrack production!

Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “ Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “ Loose him, and let him go.”
John 11:43-44 (NKJV)

Whenever I read this entire passage of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44), I always hear background music playing. I hear the slow, solemn notes when Jesus learns of His friend Lazarus’ sickness. I hear the pace of the music quicken as he journeys toward Bethany. The music turns mournful as Jesus speaks to Martha and Mary. It diminishes to a whisper as Jesus stands outside Lazarus’ tomb and weeps.

And then...slowly, inexorably, the music builds to a crescendo as Jesus prays before the entire crowd and raises Lazarus from the dead! Can you hear it?

This miracle was the last of the seven miracles that the Apostle John recorded in his Gospel. All seven miracles were recorded so...that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31) (NKJV)

When we read the Bible, a soundtrack may be missing. But God uses the music of our lives as the background to the most amazing and stupendous story you will ever read. There may be no sound, but there is a soundtrack. You simply have to be willing to hear it and listen. And for all believers, the music crescendo will be cued when we die, pass from this life, and enter into the blessed presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

What a marvelous Savior we serve!

Blessings with Aloha!