October 8, 2018 (Monday)
One of the most startling experiences with Jesus ever recorded is that of Lazarus, who died and had been buried for several days when Jesus literally raised him from the dead. The Bible never tells us what Lazarus may have said after his resurrection, but people came to his home just to get a glimpse of him who died but now was alive.
This song dips into the writer’s creative imagination and tells us what Lazarus might have said.
Rodney Griffin, of “Greater Vision,” wrote about this song. “I wrote my first song in 1989 while sitting at my desk at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. The first song wasn’t a great one, but it lit a fire inside that is still growing. I knew then that God had gifted me with something unusual;putting phrases together that relate to people. It’s been a great honor and privilege to use this gift to help others along the way. My hope and dream is simple: that someone will find Jesus and walk closer to Him because of me. May I be faithful to His great calling.”
MY NAME IS LAZARUS
Rodney Griffin
One day, four men brought a crippled man to Jesus
Still and lifeless, he lay upon his bed
He had not moved since he was just a baby
Still he longed to become a normal man
Now we don’t know much about the men that carried
The corners of his tattered bed that day
But if we may create an illustration
We’ll see what these men might have had to say
Suppose that first man said, “I hate to doubt it
For Jesus touched my eyes when I was blind
He made me see and there’s no doubt about it
But this man’s needs are more serious than mine”
Suppose that second man said, “No need to bother
This man’s condition will remain the same
Though Jesus touched my hand when it was withered
I don’t believe He can heal a man so lame”
Suppose that third man said, “I hate to question
But no one here is more skeptical than me
Though Jesus cleansed me when I was a leper
This helpless man will never walk, you see”
Then every eye was turned to the fourth man
To see how he might criticize and doubt
But all three men were startled with amazement
When that fourth man stopped and said his name out loud
He said, “My name is Lazarus, could I testify?
My name is Lazarus, it feels good to be alive
When I in chains of death was bound
This man named Jesus called me out
If you think your little problem is too big for Him to solve
Take it from the one who’s heard the mighty voice of God
A living testimony of His death-defying touch,
My name is Lazarus”