Theme of the Week: How God Teaches Us Through Winning and Losing
Bible Verse: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
Scripture Reading: John 11:1-44
Of all the red lights we experience, none is more painful than the death of a loved one.
It was 10:00 pm. I had just come home when the phone rang. Picking it up, I heard tears and two words: “Mom’s dead.”
It was my sister-in-law. I handed the phone to my wife and watched her heart shatter.
Through the help of friends, we, and our baby, got on a plane at 4:00 in the morning. Knowing that the economy rental car we reserved would not be big enough, all I could do was pray.
At the rental agency, I asked if they would upgrade the car due to bereavement. They could not. But a few seconds later, the attendant stopped.
“Actually. All our economy cars are out, so I will need to upgrade your vehicle at no extra cost.”
All I could do was smile and say a simple prayer of thanks. Jesus was with us in the tears.
In John 11, we find the story of a trio of siblings, friends of Jesus. The brother, Lazarus, is sick, a red light itself. The sisters send word for Jesus to come, but He doesn’t, and Lazarus dies. Then Jesus comes.
A little late, aren’t you Jesus?
Imagine the conversation (my version):
Martha – “Lazarus is dead.”
Jesus – “I know. But he will rise again.”
Martha – Looking down, grieving, “I know. At the resurrection.”
Jesus – “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Me – “Huh??!!”
For Jesus, death is not the ultimate red light. There is more to come because He is “the resurrection and the life.”
For those of us who have said goodbye to loved ones, because of who Jesus is, one day we will get to say hello to them as well.
I don’t know how long later it was, but I can just imagine how the conversation went when Lazarus died a second time.
Martha – “Lazarus is dead…again.”
Mary – “No he’s not!”
Martha – Looking to heaven, smiling, “Thank you.”
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You are with us in our tears. Thank You that death here is not the end. Thank You that because of who You are and what You did, we have the hope of life in heaven with You. Amen.
Reflection: Read John 11. Sense Jesus’ heart. And know that in Him we have the promise of resurrection and life.
Copyright © 2023 Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada. All rights reserved.
About
