John 12:1-2 Six days
before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had
raised from the dead. Here a dinner was
given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining
at the table with him.
So Lazarus gets sick, dies, sees the great white light in
the sky and settles in for the afterlife. Suddenly he feels tingling, he’s cold and then
a warmth courses through his body. He hears his friend Jesus calling him. But he can’t see anything. Something has been wrapped around his head
and face. “What the???” he thinks. Jesus
is calling again. He hears other voices
and weeping. Struggling, he slowly gets
up, pulling at the wrapping cloths. Where am I?
He sees light in the distance and moves toward it. As he steps outside, the truth of the
situation begins to sink in. Now a week
later he reclines beside Jesus, eating and laughing. He knows people have come
to see him, to see this walking, talking miracle. He catches Jesus’ eye and
they each quietly take a deep breath.
How do I ever thank you? Jesus smiles
and seems to say, just love me and love others.
Jesus turns away as Mary approaches.
The air becomes heavy with sweet fragrance as she pours costly perfume
on his feet.
We may not have a death to life experience in the same way
Lazarus did. Speaking of getting a new lease on life, he really received one.
Yet Christ offers us new life, too. He offers us forgiveness, strength to
change and to put aside harmful things. What should we do in return? Love him; love others.
Holy God, Lazarus, Mary and Martha experience great joy in
this miraculous revival. Help us to capture some of that joy as we remember
what Jesus has done for us. We ask in his name, Amen.
God
Bless,Paige
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