Lazarus

By Gerald Sumeracki

A flow of tears rolled down His cheeks
As looked He on the cave
His dearest friend, the one He loved
Lay deep within the grave.

Had been four days since he had died
An illness took his life
"He'll rise again" Christ told his kin
"I'll save him from this strife."

"We know that's true" they answered Him
"He'll rise on earth's last day
"But we had hoped you'd save his life
"Now's much too long he's lay."

"Roll back the stone" the Master said
"So I can see my friend"
"Oh no, please Lord, be not so cruel
"The odor's long been penned."

The stone was rolled and Christ did pray
He asked His Father please
"Do manifest Your might this day
"So all here can believe."

A stillness fell upon the crowd
As Jesus called His friend
"Come forth" He called "back to this life
"A life I now do mend."

And came he forth out of the grave
Still wrapped in dead man's clothes
The crowd was struck with awe and fright
A dead man had arose!

Yes Jesus Christ, this man of deeds
Did raise His own dear friend
To prove to all that through His name
Men's lives our God would mend.