Did the Jesus who was 100% human really believe Lazarus would walk out of his tomb alive?

For a moment, or maybe even more, I don’t think he did.

Jesus stood at his friend’s grave much like we all do at the graves of our loved ones.

Like Jesus, we stand there in our disbelief.

Like Jesus, we are greatly disturbed in spirit.

Like Jesus, we are deeply moved.

Like Jesus, we weep.

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None of us is bound to feel good about this morning’s Gospel. Not you, the church-goer. Not me, the professionally-religious. And certainly not the stewardship committee. So let me make this quick. Not only because it’s not a “feel-good” text, but also because — frankly — I still don’t feel so good!  What I’ve learned from having pneumonia is, the more I talk, the more I cough! So lucky you, it’s a super short one this morning, so listen closely!

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With the apocalyptic movie “2012″ hitting theaters this past week, once again the American public is freshly-confronted with images of a global cataclysm ushering in the end of the world, and scaring the living daylights out of those with just enough knowledge of biblical apocalyptic literature (or Mayan culture and eschatology) to make it seem like “the end” is really just around the corner two years from now. With the terror-striking three-word banner advertising the film, “We were warned,” the apocalyptic fever of the country — and possibly the world — just went up a degree or two.

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I get a kick out church signs and often wish we utilized our location here on the Lincoln Freeway a bit more to have some fun with passersby. These signs can make you laugh as you appreciate their sharp wit, they can make you groan and shake your head and thank God that’s not your church, and sometimes they can give you pause and make you go “hmm.” Here’s one from St Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church in Houston, TX: “Staying in bed and shouting ‘O God!’ does not constitute going to church.” Or try this one from Goodwood United Methodist Church (who probably would do well to consider a different name for their church): “Free Coffee. Everlasting Life. Yes, membership has its privileges.” Or this one from Donelson Baptist Church, “Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.” But I think my favorite one is “Looking for a sign from God? This is it!”

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