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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 Sunday, April 6, 2025 |
The savior of here and now John 11:1-45 As I worked my way through a plan to read the Bible in a year, something kept troubling me. Usually, Christians find reassurance and hope in knowing how the story of God ends because, by extension, we understand how OUR story ends. Jesus triumphs, and we join him as a family in his kingdom forever, where all our bottled tears are poured out, and there will never be sorrow or death again. But in the meantime, I wondered, “How can Jesus really care that much about my pain right now when he already knows how this all turns out? Does my light and momentary heartbreak truly matter in the greater story since victory is already declared?” I didn’t expect to find the answer in the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” When Jesus heard his friend Lazarus had died, he took his time getting back to Lazarus, knowing all along he was bringing a story with a happy ending. When Jesus arrived and saw the grief-stricken friends and family of Lazarus, even though he was moments away from undoing death, Jesus cried when he encountered their anguish, loss, and mourning. Through the miracle of bringing Lazarus back from the dead, Jesus also worked a miracle in my heart. I had a blind spot, and he helped me to see. Jesus isn’t just the savior of the future, where the lion lays down with the lamb, all things are made new, and our concentrated, consecrated pain has passed away with the former things. He is the savior of right here, right now, and he tenderly reaches across eternity to meet me exactly where I am today. When I saw Jesus being moved to tears with Mary and Martha, he showed me that he weeps with me, too. Prayer for today: Dear Jesus, we want so much to hear your voice, for you to audibly speak to us. Thank you for this reminder that you have talked to us. The Bible gives us your words, authority, and instruction and is your love letter to us. Help us read and listen to the words you’ve already spoken and encounter you and your heart for us as we find ourselves in the pages of your Word. We love you. Amen. By Debbie Smith |
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