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Writer's pictureMike Roberson

Avigail (A flash fiction, short story)

“Avigail is a Flash Fiction story prompted by John 11, the story of Lazarus. It won the weekly Championship at Christian Flash Weekly. Hope you enjoy it.


Avigail, come.” Her mother called out, “Lazarus has died and we must hurry, they are wealthy and will be hiring mourners and flautists. We must hurry to be among the first.” Avigail was still young and grew tired of mourning the dead for money. She always felt as if she were lying when she played her flute while her mother and sister cried out and wailed. Knowing that this was according to mitzva did not ease her mind about earning money in this manner.

Avigail had heard that Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, had entertained the teacher, Jesus and that they were known to be followers of him. She had not seen him or heard him speak, but knew the high priest was angry at his attempt to lead others away from the old ways. She was so glad for her flute. She merely had to play, flute which she very much enjoyed, while her sister had to wail and cry like their mother. Dinah would cut her eyes at Avigail now and then, giving her that look that said, “I hate you”. Avigail would wink and almost lose the tone of her flute from wanting to laugh at Dinah. “Mother, I heard this morning by the fountain, that Jesus of Nazareth has returned. Supposedly Jesus has told Martha that Lazarus will arise from the grave and is accompanying Martha to the tomb. I want to go and see what happens.” “Avigail you have no business there. Lazarus has been dead four days. It’s not our business.” She stood back in the crowd so others would not report her to her mother. Avigail saw nothing about this man, Jesus, that would make her think he was different, although she felt a strange respectful attraction when he spoke. She heard other’s whisper, “he weeps with her, surely if he can heal the blind…..” Jesus spoke, “I am the resurrection and the life, believe in me and live through that belief, and you shall never die.” Martha replied, “I believe that you are Messiah, the Son of God, who is come into the world.”

Avigail heard herself repeating Martha’s words. Jesus spoke again; “believe and see the Glory of God.” He raised his eyes to heaven and thanked his father for hearing him. “take away the stone.” Jesus called, “Lazarus, come forth,” in a loud voice. Avigail ran and fell at the feet of Jesus crying, “I believe, Lord.” She had not even seen Lazarus coming forth from the tomb. She didn’t need the miracle to know in her spirit, in her soul, that this man would change her life forever.


Mike Roberson

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