Lazarus Laughed

Several people have asked me if I am ever afraid – afraid about my circumstances, my disease and all the complications that go with it. How will I deal with pain? What if they do not find a liver in time? What will my life be like after a transplant? When will it happen? How long will the new liver last? How will I take care of my family? I am usually not afraid until I have these discussions.

I do have a couple of real fears. One is a lifelong fear of vegetables. I am working out a comprehensive anti-pea theology. Be watching your bookstore for my new book "Vegetables: The Root of All Evil." I am also afraid of birds. I realize that if you know me, you are now thinking “how can someone so big be afraid of these cute little creatures?” My response is it’s their fault. Those flying vermin have actually been flying into me all my life. Sure, it is possible they have mistaken me for a tree, but that’s just an excuse. It also does not explain using me as a frequent bombing target. Yes, you are right … I have far too much time on my hands.

However, I do have a light sprinkling of intelligence. I am aware of all these questions and more. It is natural for us to be afraid of certain things.

· Uncertainty and things we can not control can haunt us at night.
· The unwanted guest of pain that won’t go away.
· The fear of not being able to protect and provide for our family.
· We can fear the chilling winds of loss.
· What am I missing out on now and in the future?
· The fear of being drained of purpose, especially when surrounded by limitations.

When all these things attack us at once, we can gradually hear the chorus of “what if…” echoing in our souls.

I have found one of the weapons that God has given me to help me conquer my fears is laughter. I do not mean an empty-headed silliness that is oblivious to everything around me. This is the laughter of rejoicing in God. It is delighting in who He is and what He has done. It comes from the anticipation of God’s certain victory over Satan, pain and suffering, and even Death itself.

This is the laughter of knowing that God completely out-matches anything that marches against my life. I can not be afraid of an enemy that is already defeated. This is the laughter of the victim that moves from the vanquished to the victor.

Christian apologist and teacher Ravi Zacharias posed this question: “What would you do to frighten Lazarus after he had been raised from the dead?” Do you think that reality might impact his daily life?

Eugene O’Neal wrote a play entitled “Lazarus Laughed.” In the play, the Roman Emperor Caligula is rounding up and persecuting Christians. One day, Lazarus is brought before Caligula. Lazarus is told he must denounce Christ or he would be tortured and killed. And Lazarus laughed. This, of course, infuriated the man who believed himself to be a god and the most powerful man on earth. He said “one more laugh out of you, Lazarus, and you’re dead.” Lazarus doubled over with laughter. When he caught his breath he said, “Caligula have you not heard death is dead…DEATH is DEAD.” It is hard to threaten one who has already been there and knows the One who let him out.

Paul said it this way in I Corinthians 15:56-58: "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Death is Satan’s ultimate weapon of mass destruction. What he does not know is that it has been disarmed. Death has no power, sting, no ability to threaten me. Jesus gave His life so I do not have to be afraid. Satan has sent his giant death to challenge me, but his weapon is useless. So I laugh and I am steadfast, immovable, and victorious!

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Death has no claim on my future and my present days are guarded by the Lion of Judah. I am a dead man living. I do not have to be afraid because my life is His. All else is insignificant in the presence of the living God. He is my life, deliverer, and the lover of my soul. My spirit soars and laughs in total dependence on Him. Just like a child throwing himself in the air knowing that the loving arms of his father await.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day .For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. II Corinthians 4:16-18

I need not be afraid of new complications, side effects of drugs, or painful procedures. Against the backdrop of eternity these are but droplets of inconvenience. I am not always strong, faith-filled and eternity-focused. I fix my eyes on the One who is all powerful, always faithful and eternal. None of my trouble is any trouble for Him. Because of Him, I am not afraid.

Don Wyrtzen wrote these lyrics:
When engulfed in the terror of temperas seas
And before you unknown waves roll
End of trials and destiny
Fear and conflict cease your soul

Just think about when you stepped ashore and found it heaven
A hand touches your hand and you find it your Savior's
Breathed new air and find it celestial
Walk in Glory and find it home!

I can only imagine. Some day soon we will meet again either here or on heaven’s shore. You will recognize me either way, I’ll be the one laughing and saying I told you so.

No Fear in Christ,
Dan

Grandpa’s Prayer for Swen

Dearest Swen,

This is Grandpa Dan. You know, the tall, good-looking, smart one is Grandpa Dave. I’m the other one. I look a little more like Santa every year.

I write these words at a time of uncertainty in my life. I have thought for some time what I might give you of real value. I could watch The Andy Griffith Show with you. I could introduce you to fine music and some great places to eat Mexican food. I could tell you funny stories about your Mom, but I’m afraid we would both get in trouble. As soon as you learn to talk, ask her about the mink and muskrat.

The best thing I can give you is my prayers. Only God can give you the life and eternity I hope for you. So, Swen, I pledge to God, your Daddy and Mommy, and you, that every day for the rest of my life I will pray that:

Your home will be filled with love, grace, and forgiveness.

Your parents’ love and commitment will continue to grow through the years.

Your parents will model a devotion to God.

You will always be patient with your parents, because just like you and me, we are all a work in progress.

You will have all the simple joys of childhood.

Your days will be filled with laughter, because a lot of life is just plain silly.

You will be careful not to believe all of Auntie Debbie and Auntie Roxanne’s stories, especially the ones about me.

You have lots of adventures with Patch and Spaz.

You discover God’s love and accept His free gift of salvation through Jesus.

You will know you have been chosen by God to be His treasured possession.

You will always reflect His grace and forgiveness to others.

You will discover the freedom and abundant life through obeying God.

You will feel the contentment of holding loosely to the things of this world.

You will hunger for the satisfying Word of God.

You will grow strong and peaceful as you face the trials of life.

You will be thankful for the Giver of all gifts.

You will develop a servant’s heart, always willing to give sacrificially to others.

You will know the delight of having Godly friends.

You will be blessed with the extraordinary gift of a wife and children.

You will experience the joy of living out God’s plan for your life. He made His plan for you before the foundation of the world.

You will know at the end of your days that you have had a life well lived.

Swen,
Believing in Jesus and You.
Grandpa Dan

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16

My Treasure Box

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11

Today, I returned to my treasure box. It is filled with a collection of priceless gems. Each is precious to me not only for what they are, but also for who gave them to me. Over time, nuggets have increased in worth because my King and the Author of my life provides just the right bounty to meet the needs of my life. My treasure may be of little importance to you, but for me they are some of the greatest gifts in my life.

As I open the lid of my treasure box, I do not find gold, stocks, expensive artwork, or other possessions. In fact, my treasure has almost no monetary worth, yet I would not sell any of it for any price. My treasure box overflows with words of encouragement.

My treasure is the notes, letters, cards, and e-mails people have sent me. Each word is an exquisite gem in my ordinary life. In these words of encouragement, God has made extraordinary jewels of love, grace, hope, friendship, courage and peace. God has graciously used a loving army of encouragers, and the Holy Spirit uses these words to minister to my heart, mind and emotions.

Due to the frailty and urgency of my health, God has given me the privilege to make an eternal appraisal of my life and ministry. I believe one of the Godliest pursuits is to become an encourager. Words of encouragement can change people’s lives and eternity. It is my desire to be remembered, like Barnabas, as a “son of encouragement.”

One of the things that pain me the most is to hear others use words of discouragement. These people often become sons of destruction. They use words as weapons and they are motivated by pride, judgmental, unstable emotions, unforgiving and bitter hearts.

This is one of the clearest marks of spiritual immaturity. These are divisive persons whose life pattern is to criticize. Their focus is selfishness and getting their way. They fail to recognize the long-lasting damage their words cause in relationships. Amazingly, these persons feel completely justified in hurting others. They end up living such an impoverished and detached existence that their only course is to steal the joy from others.

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. James 3:8-10

Fortunately, God has provided a treasure map. His word provides clear and practical directions to experiencing the riches in Christ. The following verses have helped me to walk God’s path to becoming an encourager.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

Selfishness is the motive of words that lack grace. Selflessness and humility characterize the heart of the encourager.

A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! Proverbs 25:11

Joy is the result of an encourager’s right word at the right time. This calls for emotions under the control of the Holy Spirit and a dependence on the scriptures. Do others experience the joy of Christ after hearing my words?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Redemptive, healing, and hope-giving words are not about my needs. These words must be helpful, building up and meeting the needs of others. If my words do not reach this purpose, I must keep them to myself.

Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15

When others hear my words, they should feel God’s love and be strengthened to embrace God’s best for there life.

I am exceedingly blessed to be surrounded by many encouragers who fill my heart with hope and courage. Your words make me rich and you truly are the treasure of my life.

Counting My Blessings and Treasure,
Dan