Brilliant prairie days

It was one of those brilliant prairie days that gleam in your memory like the first time you discovered that birthdays meant presents. The sun looked down from a cloudless sky as the wind moved relentlessly through the field of tombstones bowing the sparse trees in dutiful adulation. My thoughts of those who slept here were painted with faces and stories of a time when life was not as charitable. Even in death these resilient and enduring people steel their faces to the inhospitality of an unforgiving land. Their very presence on this prairie hill behind the small white church presents the inordinate concept of resilient restoration even in death.


This prairie cemetery brought to mind another grave scene in Bethany in which another resilient restoration occurred. The story opens with Yeshua telling His disciples that their friend was dead and they were going to be taught a lesson. This is frequently the way that Yeshua begins His restoration projects by stating “OK, this part of your life is dead, let’s deal with it.” The disciples, being very good disciples, are ready to begin interpreting what is about to happen and as usual they miss the mark. I can imagine the trip to the grave was full of theological intent, prophetic speculation, and a good bit of complaining. It didn’t stop when they arrived; even the well intentioned tried to move away from the point of the trouble. Lazarus sister Mary said, “Lord if you had been here…” and not off preaching somewhere you might have saved him. But just as Yeshua still does with us He says “Where have you laid him?” Where is the dead part of your life? Let’s not spend any more time on “should have, could have, and would have” let’s go to where the body is buried. Because the prospect of restoration is not palatable and therefore not initially chosen, we say, “Lord don’t open it! It stinks in there.” We’ve been devout believers but these things have been hidden so long we can’t imagine what will happen if they are let loose again. He says, “Do you believe me or don’t you?” Let’s roll back the stone.


What a dramatic example of G-d’s willingness to restore us to Himself. We each have our own hidden places that keep us from moving closer to G-d. He hasn’t changed His methods and still brings us back to the place that keeps us from complete restoration. Just as He called Lazarus out for the grave and death He calls us out of those things that keep us away from Him. He wants resilient restoration but it’s up to us to roll away the stone.