Nougat 30

Have you ever seen headlines or listened to stories about people returning with messages from Heaven? Did you believe them? The business of resurrection is a mixed bag, because death is so final. In fact, some would argue that with the exception of Christ – Who was buried, then risen – and perhaps Lazarus; the cases of return from death is not a full death.

That of course doesn’t negate the visions people might have had of Heaven. And as we reflect on today’s Holy Nougat I urge us to think about the ‘what if’.

“Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11:43-44‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Thus far we have reflected from just about every person’s perspective, save one – Lazarus’! So, can you join me in some Lazarus reflections please. We note that the dead Lazarus immediately did as Jesus commanded, so much so that he was still bound like a sarcophagus.

Was Lazarus surprised to see himself wrapped in the visible signs of death? If so, was that a sign from God? And if not, does that mean he knew that he was dead?

Modern YouTube and internet videos show stories of people who try to recount their life beyond death stories. Some versions include ‘bright lights’ and/or out of body experiences that help them to realize they were not among the living. What did Lazarus experience?

There’s a school of thought that suggests there was a ‘waiting’ place after death, as pre-Christ’s resurrection one was not immediately taken to Heaven or Hell. Now I think back to Jesus’ comments in verses 4 and 11, His calm confidence that Lazarus would not die. Is it that Lazarus’ temporary destination was in the short-term space? Had his spirit left his body, and did it return at the sound of Jesus’ voice? Can you imagine Lazarus’ testimony!

Jesus the Living Word, had the power to command the spirit of humans, whether they were dead or alive. We may not know for sure that Jesus and Lazarus had a conversation while Lazarus lay dead waiting to return to earth (you know, like in the movies and videos when they say they were told it’s not yet time to go). But we know that when Jesus spoke with divine authority four days later, the dead, should have been stinking, Lazarus walked out of that tomb like he was only asleep!

I figure if the devil didn’t get that Jesus truly was divine, in that moment Satan was quickly brought up to speed. Jesus was the living breathing speaking Son of the Living God. And He still is! Whatever our take, if at all we give credence to the resurrection miracle, we find that it offers a powerful insight about Jesus. From the beginning to the end, Jesus had no doubts about the outcome – Lazarus would live. Moreover, in the act of bringing life to a dead and decaying body; Jesus did what He said He’d do – He demonstrated to everyone the glory of a God Whose power transcends life and death. And that’s the God we serve.

It is worth thinking about Lazarus’ back to life story and all those others, but ultimately we must recognize that it is solely about God’s glory, and none other. And that’s what keeps us going.

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May all we seek be found in Christ