June 27-28, 2023

do you suppose Lazarus was as pleased

as were Mary and Martha, his sister's

tears sudden ceased in drop-jawed wonder

as he came, obedient to Jesus’ "Come forth!"

out from his dank, dark mouldy tomb

into that glorious Judean afternoon

festooned by death's cold ribbon and rag

four days he'd worn them, unaware

they'd be more than temporary cover

discard again as air and blood caroused

again, his body recalled from dust, we read

of his sister's joy at resurrection's dawn

but what of he, who so short before in his

flesh had before his Redeemer rejoiced

now before His Son, breathed, again

what of he whose feet, reclaimed from death

had trod their (perhaps reluctant) way

from the very court of God, obedient came

(how many broad infinities traversed?)

to step forth from new-conquered tomb

beyond stone so recent breathless rolled

away!

to stand, alive, before his Saviour King

did he, like Paul, find Heaven poor reflect’

in all Earth’s frailties and flaws, and sad

weep his lost inheritance, laid aside

that he might obey his Saviour’s call

yet even so, did he, like Paul, find it joy

to lay self aside to do his Saviour’s will

we are not told, know only this, that

when Jesus cried "Lazarus! Come forth!”

he came

oh! that I may obey my Lord as well