triumphministries

We know that Jesus has conquered death....”I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Rev. 1:18) What does that determine for us who live here on earth physically?

Of all the times I have prayed, commanded, loosed, whatever term we may use to raise the dead, one, has returned from death to life so far, and that was a young child of 6 killed by kidney failure, who after being raised had perfect kidneys and no need for dialysis. Are there conditions for raising the dead? Jesus simply said raise the dead and heal the sick and cleanse the lepers and cast out demons. There were no special circumstances mentioned and yet when we inquire of the Spirit, conditions do exist. Each person is an individual, each person has a will whether they are in the natural or have passed through to the spiritual. The will does not suddenly evaporate when we pass through the veil from life here on earth; we (our souls) are simply separated from the body. Although people may request of their loved ones to raise them if they die, (when they are still alive), is heaven so incredibly desirable, so illumuninating, so wondrous that returning is likened to returning to a slum when one has been given a Mansion He has personally prepared for us. When we desire them to return (heartfelt, for we love them) and yet they having seen and  been lavished with the Holy Presence of the Living God as never before experienced here on earth, do we press them to return for our benefit? Yet, grieving is no easy matter and is not to be taken lightly, however, neither is life eternal.

We have all heard the story of Wigglesworth and his wife when he raised her and she admonished him for raising her and then after a brief conversation, she rejoined our Lord in heaven. Authority is not all that is involved. There is a question of will. We tend to think that we raise the dead and they have nothing to say about it and although Jesus did not enquire of the widow’s son’s will (compassion for the mother drew him to raise the son); nor did he ask Lazarus if he would like to return (moved again by compassion for his sisters and for his friend and to Glorify the Father), or the young girl, are we to assume that everyone will return?

There is no evaporation of will when we are translated from life (on earth) to death or afterlife. What does one do when they are praying for someone’s wife or husband or a friend and they clearly see the picture of the person, smiling, beckoning the spouse (or other loved ones) left on earth to come to them, rather than agreeing to return, because it is a far greater destination? Do we consider such a message from the one who appears as the angel of light and fight on or do we accept that once a saint filled with His spirit, has left they may simply not want to return.

I have heard stories of people wanting their child or spouse or loved one to return but they knew in their hearts or sometimes by a dream that they had chosen heaven over earth. We are not failures, if they do not return and contrary to some popular beliefs, it is not all up to us. Yes, Jesus gave the disciples (and us) authority over all power of the enemy. Yes, He became infuriated with them when they were unable to heal the boy demonized with epilepsy, and also when they thought He was talking about leaven in bread not in beliefs  of Pharisees and when they chided Him for sleeping while they believed they were going to drown, and for arguing about who would be the greatest...what did all these instances have in common? They didn’t believe He was who He said He was and they doubted Him. This is not to discourage prayers to raise the dead, but to encourage discernment. If a saint passes even in an untimely matter, stolen by the devil, do they not still have a choice? Just as healing includes the person needing to be healed in the equation, without receiving, no healing will take place. I have found in some instances that a damaged soul, which Holy Spirit heals within moments, will then lead to full physical healing. Whereas,  prior to that restoration they were unable to receive what Jesus had paid for. If healing is not a ‘one size fits all’ endeavour, can we also consider that neither is raising the dead? This is not to question its possibility or its need; simply to seek the truth of the nature of resurrection here on earth.

Death in the Greek ~ thanatos always signifies separation either between the soul and the body and/or between man and God. But it is clear that when we die our wills (which is a part of the soul) remains with us, without the body. If there is a will, then are the dead not also participating in this process of being raised? Why else tell them to return, come forth, wake up? I have found with some that I have prayed to raise, seeming bargains begin to pour forth; discussing with them the life they will have (one of hope and freedom), declaring health and even prophesies as their spouses agree with the prophetic words Holy Spirit gives. Talking with them, as if they are sitting beside us, calling them, singing to them (some love music) and coaxing them, yes and commanding them to return. But do they have to? Are they obligated just because we call, cajole, and command?  We don’t want to in still in people false hope and that is not to say raising the dead is not possible...I have seen it, Jesus did it and so have others. The issue is, just as in healing...not is it God’s will for them to be healed or raised, but is it theirs?  Some people think if the person doesn't raise they have failed. A belief that tends to hurt people who are already hurting from loss and shock. This is not to place in question the Gospel and attempt to match it with our experience, nor assuage our responsibility, but as a beautiful young woman, (mentioned by consent) Nancy Rayhill who has had to face this in her own life just recently noted about her amazing husband,  who passed a few days ago)...“the unsaved are considered dead..Jesus said, let the dead bury the dead...Jesus said to raise the dead, my husband is not and never had been dead...he is more alive than ever!” This was what Holy Spirit gave to her recently. I am so honoured to know them both! “We are confident, yes well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2Cor.5:8) All believers look forward to that day with anticipation.  

So let us seek the truth on these matters and not just make assumptions that lead to what we consider failure.

And who can lead us...the Spirit of Truth Himself...the Holy Spirit.