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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 Friday, April 11, 2025 |
Be with us now John 14:1-3 Have you ever felt yourself in the zone? A place where your senses are heightened, your mind is focused, and your soul feels on? The zone is highly visible in sports settings. Steph Curry sinking 3’s from everywhere. Michael Jordan in the early 90’s. Tiger Woods on Sunday in his red shirt. Patrick Mahomes when he’s tapping fingers to thumb between plays. You can almost see things slow down. Sense that something special is about to happen. We can find our zone in following Jesus, too. Imagine being in a place where your heart isn’t troubled. Clear mind, focused heart, trusting in who you are and knowing whose you are…that God has your best in mind and you are on a journey to experience more of Jesus as you live out that best. That you have found your place in his house. Right here. In this moment. With these people. Sometimes, I feel it when meeting someone for the first time. Listening to their story or their question, and asking God how to be what is needed at that moment. I often experience it on a trail or running through city streets, talking with a friend about life in all its glory and chaos. Most often, it happens when my mind has unspooled, and I am fully present in a moment. A feeling washes over me, my mind slows down, and everything feels clear and right. Oh, how I long for that sensation. A clarity of purpose, words flowing easily, actions coming from the center of who I am, and Jesus unspooling my tangled thoughts. Jesus wants us so fully present in moments with him that we arrive in the zone. He invites our trust. Lets us know there is enough room for us all with him. He reminds us that we have more than enough time to be fully present in moments with others because he is fully with us in those moments. I love that this passage shares our hope for the future, but I’m challenged that it also is a current, active commitment to be with us now, in each conversation, around each table, and on each trail. He is preparing a place for us, and it begins in all the places our feet carry us right now, in our present reality. Prayer for today: Jesus thank you for preparing a place for us in the here and now. Help us fight through distraction to be fully engaged with one another, and fully in tune with you. Help us trust in the place you have created for us…both in our purpose in this world now and in our future home with you forever. Help us be people centered on who you created us to be and so deeply connected with you that we live and move in the zone of your love each day. Amen. By Lisa Zulke |
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