2021 - The Rise of Lazarus

One of the most well-known miracles that Jesus performed in the New Testament was the story of how he raised Lazarus from death, after suffering from an unknown illness. In many ways, 2020 has felt like a long illness that has resulted in the death of loved ones, jobs, businesses, homes, cars, and all that we possess.

The Covid-19 pandemic has played a major role in crippling the world in an unprecedented manner. While it is not too difficult to measure and detail the tangible economic impact, it is the social impact that has been more devastating. The wearing of masks has concealed our identities. We can no longer easily communicate through facial expressions (beyond our eyes of course). Social distancing has also disrupted our intimate relationships with each other as human beings.

One abundantly clear thing however is that there is a higher spiritual power that is in control: God. You may choose to believe otherwise (and on this no judgment should be passed). Do we believe that there is a conspiracy behind the sequence of events since the pandemic started? Is Covid-19 a biological weapon, created to drive geopolitical interests? Can the vaccines that are being rolled out be trusted to help the millions infected or are they intended to make the situation worse?

There is no doubt that we need something that anchors our spiritual condition as we enter 2021.

Too many questions. Not enough answers.

We find solace in the Bible when it tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight".

Based on this attestation, there are 3 three tokens that we should carry into 2021.

Hope

An anonymous author once said that "A life without Hope is like a voyage without a compass. It has no direction”. Even a mere gust of wind will alter your destination.

This was evident during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America, when Martin Luther King Jr would advise his supporters to accept finite disappointments, but never lose infinite hope – for Hope is the fire that keeps the heart beating.

When Lazarus' sisters approached Jesus to seek healing for their dying brother, Jesus responded to them by saying that Lazarus' sickness will not end in death. Instead, this was for God's glory that His Son may be glorified through it. In this context, our “sisters” are our society at large seeking help and understanding in light of the pandemic. Science alone cannot explain it. It is too complex. It is clear that this battle is spiritual, and we must seek understanding from a higher power.

Faith

In the book of Hebrews, we are told that faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. When I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013, faith carried me to full healing. I continued to have random epileptic seizures for 2 years. When you have the faith to move mountains, you have the confidence to rely on hope instead of evidence. That is where and how I sourced my own healing.

By the time Jesus reached where Lazarus lay in Judea, he had been dead for 4 days. All hope was lost. But Martha, one of Lazarus' sisters knew that a miracle was imminent. Surely He that made the blind see, and the lame walk, can wake the dead to life? We are also reminded in the Bible that if we live by believing, we will never die.

Humanity

Jesus wept. The shortest verse in the bible. Two words when used alone describe a noun, but when used together mean something much deeper and more powerful than ever. How can the Son of God weep? He could relate. The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, near-wept when he delivered an address to the Republic in late December 2020, responding to the second-wave of the Covid-19 infections. He could relate. Back in September 2020, Britain's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, expressed sincere gratitude to the 2 nurses that stood by his bedside in his dire health state whilst going through the recommended incubation after being infected with Covid-19. He could relate.

2020 has reminded us of what it means to be human. Despite the exponential rise of digital engagements in the form of Zoom meetings and Social Media, it was the humanity that was displayed by many that will cement its place in the history books. Our front-line health workers gave their lives doing 48-hour shifts to save many. Billions of dollars were raised from private investors to purchase Personal Protective Equipment. Banks provided loan repayment breaks to millions of small businesses. Governments provided citizens with stipends to make ends meet.

As we start the year 2021, I urge you to refuse to play the hand that you are dealt. Change the deck. History will be made, businesses will transform and society will adjust to the new norm. Write your own story. You have the pen in your hands. Take the road less traveled, as the sky is not the limit. Your spiritual mindset is. When Jesus healed Lazarus, he shouted three words to his lifeless body lying in the Tomb – "Lazarus, get up". And Lazarus stood tall with his head held high and walked into the sunset. Leave 2020 behind. Get up and walk into 2021 with your head held high. I empathize with those who have lost loved ones due to this pandemic. However, your faith will carry you into the unseen light. Remember to show humanity in all that you do.

Tshediso (Teddy)