December 17, 62 A.D. - Lazarus Dies for the Second Time

I've shared this before I think, but I always think about it this time of year, and it makes me ponder.

In the Old Farmers Almanac several years ago, on this date, the little note said: "Lazarus dies for the second time - A.D. 62."

Now that's interesting. So I get to thinking and the first thing that occurs to me is that 62 is probably the about average age for a man living at that time. The second thing that comes to mind is that if that's true, then he was born in or about A.D. 0, and that would make him about the same age as Christ. It also occurs to me that they may well have been childhood friends.

In John 11 is we read that Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and also Lazarus. A few verses later, after Jesus sees the family and other mourners weeping over Lazarus' death, we see the famous verse: "Jesus wept." He then proceeds to the tomb, asks for the stone to be rolled aways, and calls out: "Lazarus, come forth!"

Remembering that Lazarus had been in the grave four days already, and that Christ could have come sooner, but chose not to, it is not readily apparent to his family or others (maybe not even to us) what the purpose of all this could be.

However, overarching the entire scene is Christ's teaching that not only is Lazarus' illness "not unto death," but hints that future events surrounding this will occur "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby."

Reflecting on the sometimes unfathomable occurrences in my own life, and knowing of Christ's infinite love for me personally, that particular teaching often makes me ponder just how many of my challenges are "not unto death" like I think they are, but in fact are solely so that the Son of God may be glorified. That is, if I will be more faithful, more humble, and more willing to let Him work his miracles in my life as He did in Lazarus'.

Merry Christmas