And again Jesus was deeply troubled. Then they came to the grave. It was a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. "Roll the stone aside," Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man's sister, said, "Lord, by now the smell will be terrible because he has been dead for four days." Jesus responded, "Didn't I tell you that you will see God's glory if you believe?" So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so they will believe you sent me." Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" And Lazarus came out, bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, "Unwrap him and let him go!" (John 11:38-44 NLT).

Reflecting on Memorial Day this year has brought some thoughts to mind. It is not unusual for many people to spend a little time at the cemetery where their loved ones are buried. A grave is a reminder of the person who had lived. It might be asked if we must be buried or can we be cremated. As I thought about that, I was taken to the tomb of Lazarus and wondered what might have been written there after Jesus raised him from the dead.

Epitaphs are always interesting to read. In Lazarus’ case, he might have had chiseled something like “I’m not here any more!” In any case the following are some that I have pulled off the web for your consideration. Each of them has some interesting impact.

Epitaph #1: Of a Young Worldly Woman: Here lies, what once, in beauty's bloom was every eye's delight; But now, the tenant of a tomb, its form would shock our sight. The soul that breath'd within the clod, fled in the pride of youth; learn hence betime to seek thy God, And choose the way of truth!

Epitaph 2: Forbear to ask, whose dust lies here, beneath the turf or stone? Remember, thou must soon appear before thy Judge's Throne!

Epitaph 3: Where is thy sting, O Death? And where thy victory, Grave? The ransom's sinner yields his breath to Him, who died to save.

Epitaph 4: Is there some fond enchanting tie, that fetters thee to earth? And does the thought, that thou must die, make thee lament thy birth? O rise beyond these meaner things, these poor terrestrial toys; peace from a heavenly fountain springs, and swells to endless joys.

Epitaph 5: Our body, as the food for worms, is loath'd, A shroud is all that it can boast of dress; But every soul for heav'n that's duly cloth'd shines in the robe of Christ's own righteousness.

What will your epitaph read? As for me, I hope it says something about the wonder of life both before and after death! Find joy in this life and surely you will know joy in the next!