“Lazarus, come out” (Jn 11:43). The sprit of the dead one heard and obeyed the voice of Jesus. The spirits of the dead saints live in the presence of that voice. They even say to Him, “How long?” (Rev 6:10). The story of Lazarus anticipates the day when those in the grave will hear His voice. The voice of the Shepherd who once said, “Follow me,” will say, “Come forth.” The voice that we heard, knew, and followed will call us on that great day of final resurrection.
“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” John 5:25-29 (NRSV)
