What is the first thing we hear after death?
Have you ever wondered what the first thing we will hear after we die? Yes, I am a pastor, and I for one will tell you there are one of two places waiting for our souls when death occurs ― heaven or hell. But I want to share with you a story found in the Bible about Lazarus.
The Lazarus I am sharing with you is the one found in the Gospel John chapter 11. Lazarus has two sisters, Martha and Mary. Just to fill you in, a story about her tells us that she once was too busy to have time with Jesus, and was told about it. Mary on the other hand, is the same Mary that poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet prior to his crucifixion. It is believed that Jesus visited this home many times and grew to have a wonderful relationship with these folks.
Now the Bible reveals to us Lazarus became ill. Martha and Mary had sent word to have Jesus come and heal their brother. When Jesus received word of Lazarus' sickness he stayed away two extra days purposely so that Lazarus would die, and Jesus then could show many people the glory of God.
When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha and Mary were in great distress over the loss of their brother. Listen, we know how hard funerals are. Most of us have been through this. They are never easy or fun. The same is true for Martha and Mary. They both share with Jesus how if he could have been there Lazarus' death would not have happened. And there were many other friends and neighbors who had gathered to share in the sorrow. There was so much mourning going on that Jesus, the Messiah, God’s son, even cried. Boy, Jesus crying, this sure tells us a lot about him.
My friends, Jesus being human and divine, knows what we feel. He has human feelings, too. I believe there were many factors why Jesus cried, but one of them was he felt for Martha and Mary, he was caught up in their weeping for their brother Lazarus. And Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus.
Now this is where it gets interesting. Jesus told the disciples Lazarus' death was to show everyone the glory of God. How do you think Martha and Mary took the news when Jesus told some of them to roll away the stone to the entrance of Lazarus' tomb? Why, they were shocked! The sisters said, “Please don’t do that. He has been dead four days. The body will stink.” Jesus repeated, “Didn’t I tell you, you would see God’s glory if you believe?”
When Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come forth!” Guess what? Lazarus came out! He was still wrapped in burial clothes, including his head. Imagine that. Like a mummy he came out of that tomb. Did it stink? We may never know. But there is another question that needs to be pondered. Was that the first thing Lazarus heard after his death? Jesus calling his name?
I would have loved to see the reactions of people’s faces during this whole process. But to close, I want to ask you a question. What are we going to hear for the first time after we pass away? I don’t know about you, but I hope it’s my name I hear from the Book of Life; and then the next sound is the pearly gates opening for me to enter God’s glory, in heaven. Amen.
Layton Broome is the pastor at Hayesville/Lakefork UMC.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: What do we hear when we die?
