Mark 1:40–45
The leper came on bended knee,
with great desire, humility,
believing Christ’s ability:
Christ touched him, cleansed.

Men’s sin is not a surface-sore, –
it spreads and poisons more and more:
so come to Christ, and grace implore,
– know Jesu’s touch.

For Jesus will not turn away
whoever comes to him to pray;
transforming sinners foul each day,
by touch divine.

The man with leprosy could now
feel useful once again, and how
they joy in Life and service new
who’ve known his touch.

Christ asked him not to tell it out:
he failed: he spread the news about.
Now we’ve been urged to share or shout
what Christ has done.
Tune: 888 4 eg Almsgiving by John B Dykes

(John 11:1-44)
Why did the Lord awhile delay?
Why did he words perplexing say?
– ‘ in death this sickness will not end’?
– when soon death came to his dear friend?

Though dangerous for Christ to go,
it was not fear that made him slow.
He paused that glory may be shown,
his resurrection power made known.

His love was real in venturing there,
and seen in tears – they saw him share
their grief and love (did not expect
that Lazarus, then he’d resurrect).

They thought, if he had been there when
the fatal illness struck, Christ then
would have prevented death. (‘Too late, –
we’ll for the Day of rising wait.’)

But Lazarus rose, though later died –
to live for ever, and abide
in full and final resurrection
with Christ, – eternal, rich salvation.

And so, we know when God does not
appear to do the things we want,
it is not that he does not care,
or know; – his love will soon appear.