It’s kind of a good news-bad news story with Lazarus. The good news is Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Yahoo! The bad news is the leading priests decided to kill not just Jesus, but Lazarus too! Lazarus would soon be a man on the run. He figured out quickly he had to get back up and go.
We too, to a degree, are men on the run. We are to run from evil and run to God. I was reminded this week that Christian men must put their big boy pants on and get back up again (Proverbs 24:16). So you fell down, slipped up, sinned, or faced challenges. Good for you. Get back up! Repent, refocus, stop fretting, stop envying the wicked, and get to work, good work that God has right before us.
We will always have the voice of the sanctimonious among us, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” (12:5-6) Man, did Judas miss the point! The Savior of the World sat before him and yet he pandered, thought of how to pilfer the money jar, and missed the King of Kings - making Esaus's choice of stew for birthright look like chump change. And Jesus, always understated, protected Mary, but still had a tone of love, clarity, and perhaps even regret with how He responded to the disloyal and wicked disciple.
We hear the same sort of sanctimony today. 'You don’t pay enough tax'. 'You aren’t helping the illegals enough'. Etc. But if you look beneath the surface you’ll find many of those voices do not love or care for the poor. In fact, they give nothing to charity or to anyone else. A few years back we had a big-name pastor asking all Americans to give to his buddy’s charity presumably to help with Ukraine. These guys were both multi-millionaires, flying on private jets, and owning multiple houses. Note that they said nothing about peace and those who know them knew very well they never lift a finger to help anyone outside of their back-slapping circle. Over the last three years, they've said nothing about the carnage in the war in Ukraine or about the theft and waste and destruction, nor a peep about the people on the other side of the conflict. Gasp, Russians. They were using the situation with sanctimony dripping off their self-righteous lips to enrich themselves. Sad, but ever so true.
I know, I know, before you accuse me of hypocrisy - a droning sanctimonious voice myself - let me stop you. You are right. I too can be totally blind. And yes, I need to care much more for what Jesus cares for, hate what He hates, and worship Him like Mary. I know that. I’m on it!
A few thoughts on this tremendous scene in Bethany. First, believe it. There are indeed those people like Judas who claim to be Christians yet who plan evil. They have earned their horrible reputations (Proverbs 24:8-9). We are not to envy them or desire their company. Instead, have nothing to do with them. Also, note that you don’t see in the Bible rejoicing when Judas hangs himself. Don’t rejoice when evil people fall. That is just not the way of a godly man. But don’t pity them either. Don’t fret for these wicked men who mock Jesus and who lie about following Him. They will get their just dessert. We won't rejoice, but we will acknowledge God's justice. Their true master is their appetite. They say, “Praise Jesus” but what’s on their mind is the Golden Coral. Of these evil men Jesus says they have no future and will be snuffed out. So be it. Yes, we are to love all people. And yes, it’s tragic. But the result is a consequence of their wicked behavior. The disaster and punishment come from their motives and their actions. Don’t think for a second it is caused by God. That’s simply not true.
God tells His men to be known for honesty, hard work, wisdom, good sense, knowledge, and being strong under pressure - men of godly character. We are to be good models in everything. Men of duty. God says “He will repay all people as their actions deserve” (Proverbs 24:12). As we go forth this week, don’t divorce the material from the spiritual or the secular from the divine; they are all connected. God gives good gifts. Precious riches, valuable things and relationships, and a bright future are all from God. They are a gift from God for those who follow the wise teachings of Jesus.
So yes, Lazarus had good reason to flee to Cypres. The leading Jewish priests wanted him dead. Always look below the surface. Many clothe themselves with the religious pretense of caring for God’s sheep. But once you get to know them they care nothing for God or His kingdom. It’s the truth. There are plotters and schemers and those of selfish ambition. But there are also people like Mary. Genuine Shepherds. Men and women who love God and truly love others. That’s the interesting thing. Great evil and great good. Side by side in this passage. When Mary worshiped Jesus with her whole heart the fragrance of the perfume filled the whole house (12:30). That’s how it is with Christians when we get it right. But when we, like Judas, care nothing for the poor and the downtrodden and the righteous cause of Christ to build His Kingdom then that foul smell is unbearable.
Let’s encourage our friends to get it right. For when a wise and understanding man gets it right it is glorious. Good conduct. Works were done in the humility of a man saved by Jesus. Genuine love. Caring and listening. Truthful answers. Clear consciences and a quick mind to obey God’s standards without hesitation. In this man is godly strength and production. An eternal investor. A man that gets back up and keeps fighting. I pray that man is you! I trust God to keep growing your faith.
Yet the path can be a weary one. We do fall. But don’t succumb to where Screwtape and Wormwood want us: self-loathing sinners paralyzed, useless, and nursing bitter envy and selfish ambition. Such a man is wise too but with a natural earthly wisdom, demonic wisdom that produces disorder and evil practice (James 3:13-16). God forbid! That is not us.
Forgive us Lord Jesus for our sins. Fill us with clear thoughts of godly wisdom. Let us be those who love others today. With courage and humility help us to be peacemakers who truly care for Your sheep. Help us to take up our Cross and follow You. Amen.
Don't be afraid!
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