Focus
Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.
Read
John 11:17-27 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
Reflect
I used this text at my brother’s funeral. There are times when you might think, “Well, if I had just been there a little earlier,” or “If someone would have just done something earlier.” These are all questions that may run in our mind at a funeral. I felt like Martha thinking, “Lord, if I would have done something, or if something was different, my brother would not have died.” Eventually, I worked myself into the same mind as Martha, “Yes Lord, I believe my brother will rise again and that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one that has come into the world.”
I offer this for anyone who may have had the same thoughts, or who are deeply missing any of your loved ones who have died. Jesus says, ““I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
Pray
God of life, comfort us who mourn with these thoughts. Remind us that you are the giver and sustainer of life. Amen.
Go with God!
