John 11:1-46

Jesus calls each heart out of the tomb of its brokenness into the light of new life.

"Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the Lord. I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord." (1)

The Rising

Now Lazarus had fallen ill,
The sisters sent word to the Lord.
He stayed two days, as was His will,
That God's glory might be outpoured.

He left that place for Bethany,
Where Lazarus was laid to rest;
The people who mourned were many;
Martha met Him with this behest:

"Lord, were you here, he'd be alive,
But I know that Your grace is rife."
He said, "Your brother will revive.
I am resurrection and life."

"He who believes, although he die
Will live again - do you believe?"
"I do believe", was her reply.
She summoned Mary to receive.

Mary's grief pierced Him to the core.
"Where have you laid him?" "Come and see."
"Remove the stone." "You will abhor
The stench." "You will see God's glory."

They took away the stone, He cried
Out loudly, "Lazarus, come out!"
The man, who four days past, had died,
Emerged; his rising beyond doubt.

Each heart entombs its brokenness;
Jesus exhumes its guilt and pain,
To heal it of sin and distress,
That it might rise and live again.

He meets us fully in our grief;
Life eternal is our belief.


May the deep compassion of the Lord be moved by the plea of our prays, that many hearts may be revived to life.

1. Ezekiel 37:12-14


(c) Paul Buis, 2005