"Then He shouted, 'Lazarus, come out!' And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, 'Unwrap him and let him loose.' " John 11:43-44
I have been thinking about the calling of Christ on each of our lives. Pastor Matt, while speaking at George Grismore’s memorial service, reminded us that Jesus called Lazarus by name when He called him from the tomb. If He had not said “Lazarus, come out!”, how many others would have come at His call? But it was Lazarus whom He wanted to rise again.
I started thinking beyond this incident. Lazarus is not mentioned again in scripture. Jesus called him back to life to bring glory to God, absolutely. Have you ever wondered why Lazarus? Why not someone else? What was Lazarus meant to do beyond being raised from the dead? What was his calling?
You might say being raised from the dead is quite enough. And it is pretty amazing! He was a friend to Jesus. Yes, he was. Maybe that is enough. What did Lazarus do after he was called from the grave? There are times I think of him animatedly telling whoever comes across his path about what it was like to be called back to life by the God of the universe. Can you just imagine having such a life story to tell? There are other times I think of him being a quiet strength, helping any and all who were in need, being a safe haven for those who fought for the gospel to the point of death. Maybe he himself was martyred for Christ.
This is all speculation, of course. The truth of the matter is, we are all called by Christ. Yes, to first believe in Him and give our lives to Him. We are also called to work for His kingdom. It looks different for each of us, just as our story of coming to Him varies in ways unique to us all. Paul writes in II Timothy 1:8-9a, “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.”
So, what does it matter why Lazarus was the one called from the grave? What I need to know is why I was called and what I should be doing to further His kingdom. In a book I am listening to, the young protagonist asked her mother what it meant to be praying without ceasing. The mother told her to try it and let her know. The young girl went to her room and tried. She was quickly distracted and went back to her mother to say it was impossible. The mother told her that living each moment for the Lord was praying without ceasing. Our very actions are a prayer if we do so to His glory. Whatever we are called to do, may we do it without ceasing. I am challenging myself as much as anything or anyone. The Lord has raised us to a holy life, a holy calling and He has given us His Spirit so we can live up to the calling. Even as we fail, for surely we will, He is there to lift us up, dust us off, and walk with us again. He has called you because of His own purpose and grace. Will we join Him?