Scripture: John 11:1
A certain man, Lazarus, was ill. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
Thought for the Day: People often speak of the climax or the surprising ending of a story, but how often have we never discovered the climax or the surprising ending because the opening didn’t catch our attention. I don’t want it to sound like John 11:1 is going to match the opening of stories like a Tale of Two Cities or Huckleberry Finn (the first couple of lines are some of my favorites), but there is something about naming a person and speaking of illness that will touch most all of us. There are very few adults (and far too few children) who cannot relate to a storyline of a painfulness illness that struck another human being. The Gospels are set in history, and we must first seek to understand them in history. At the same time, the message woven into the story is not marooned on some island known as yesteryear. These were people trying to find a way forward in life, and along the way, there were struggles and unforeseen chasms that brought life to an abrupt stop. Of course the story of Lazarus goes deeper into the darkness of death and loss, but even then the story keeps moving forward as Jesus enters the storyline with compassion and hope. Where is the Jesus of history trying to enter your storyline today?
Prayer: Simple stories with breathtaking tidings – this is your modus operandi, O Spirit who gives life and meaning to our lives. Thank you, gracious One! Amen.
TODAY
Preaching on a God who Guides
