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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 Thursday, April 10, 2025 |
I want you there, bro Luke 23:43 So much forgiveness is built into this statement. Jesus, in his last few moments on earth (spoiler: or so it seems!), is offering comfort and assurance. Comfort and assurance. I hear a desire to challenge the thief’s faulty belief that he is destined for some kind of separation from Christ after death. Notice that Jesus does not waste much time sharing the truth that he will be unified with him in paradise. It’s tempting to see this as something unique to the thief, but I think Jesus might have offered this to any of us. We see Paul echo this in 1 Timothy 2:4 in that God wishes for ALL of us to be reunified and reconciled with him and to come into the truth. When I consider Jesus’ words, I believe in that moment and every moment to come, God wants us to experience him. He emphasizes the truth here too. Are you carrying regret, guilt, or shame that’s keeping you from Jesus? Maybe, like the thief, you don’t believe you will or should have access due to your past. Perhaps you continue to pursue things that you know wound the heart of God and tell yourself this is proof that God doesn’t want you. Jesus crushes that faulty belief. He shares with you that you are already in community with him and will celebrate this after death. I’m assuming the thief fears punishment; notice that Jesus doesn’t address his theology with argumentation or a dramatic Good Will Hunting scene. He simply says a party is coming on the other side, and I want you there, bro. Ask him to help you experience his truth today. Prayer for Today: Father, please help us hear your voice today; help us hear you reassuring us and challenging our faulty beliefs. Thank you for your forgiveness; please help us offer it to others in our lives who need it, too. Let us see how we limit our experience with you with our odd assumptions, suggesting that our sin is bigger than your grace. Help us right-size our view of ourselves compared to our view of you. By Anonymous |
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