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 This week, we delve into the profound narrative of Jesus and Lazarus, a story that serves as a powerful microcosm of the journey one takes from spiritual death to vibrant new life as a Jesus follower. Through this exploration, we will unpack the layers of meaning embedded within the raising of Lazarus, examining its connection to Jesus’s own promised resurrection and the hope it ignites within us. We will then turn our attention to the comforting promises of Jesus: his assurance of being with us, the promise of eternal life, his dedication to preparing a place for us, and the unwavering declaration that nothing can separate us from his love. These promises, rooted in the resurrection, provide a solid foundation for our faith, offering solace and unwavering hope as we navigate the complexities of life and anticipate the fullness of eternal life with him. A collective reflection on God’s grace and our chances for renewal Tuesday, April 8, 2025 |
You are not alone 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “…you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” Followers of Jesus have an inextinguishable hope in the face of death. That hope is that all who have died and knew Jesus as their Savior and all those who are not yet dead and also know Jesus as their Savior will be joined together with God and with each other forever. Have you recently grieved over a friend or family member’s passing? These moments can be impossibly difficult. When we can point each other to Jesus, these hopeless moments become ones where we can focus on the eternal and experience hope. Will it change the earthly circumstances? No, but it will change our mindset that sees these current, earthly circumstances as the final scene. Our culture is generally afraid of death and the questions that lurk around it. What happens after we die is a question many seek the answers to. As followers of Jesus, we can thank God that he doesn’t leave us to wonder these deep questions without giving us hope, which exists only because of Jesus’ resurrection. Who’s struggling with grief right now that needs you to come alongside them with hope? Hope that they’re not alone, that God sees them, and that they can make decisions now that will change their eternal perspective. Tips for today’s passage: There are timelines, circumstances, archangels, and trumpets involved. What do we do with the ‘strange’ in the Bible? Lean into it, study it, and have conversations about it. Ask God to reveal to you his truth through it. Schedule a time in your calendar to do just that. Contact someone who’s a little bit more learned in the Bible than you (or a lot bit more!) and ask them your questions. By Shibu Mathew |
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