Mid-week reflection

Scripture Union

22 July, Day 290

John chapter 11

A matter of life and death.

Consider

Jesus is fully God and fully human. This great and beautiful mystery is at the foundation of our faith and is encapsulated in the story of the death and rising of Lazarus in chapter 11 of John’s gospel. We see Jesus’ godliness in the power he has to restore life to Lazarus, who has been dead for four days. In his other miracles, too, and through his teaching we know that Jesus is indeed the creator God who existed before time began and who possesses “all power and authority in heaven and on earth.” Yet who can doubt his humanity. Jesus was, “deeply moved at the death of his great friend Lazarus and at the grief of his sisters. We are told, “Jesus wept” [35], the shortest sentence in the bible, but surely one of the most revealing. Jesus, like you and me needs friends and tastes grief at the loss of a loved one and was fully, 100% human!!

Reflect

So often we read of a new miracle drug that will save thousands of lives. Research and development into new products to ease suffering is clearly a good thing and here in the West at least we are blessed with benefits of modern medicines and other treatments that enhance the quality of life but do they really save lives or just postpone the inevitability of death? Contrast the immortality, which the world seeks, with the resurrection which Jesus offers. We know our loved ones will not return in the way Lazarus did, but we place them in the loving embrace of the Father and trust that when his plan for humanity is fulfilled, they will be transformed into new life. A life of companionship with God, who will “wipe away every tear from their eyes” and in which “death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.” [Rev. 21]

Pray

Risen Lord, who conquered death and restored life.

The resurrection is beyond the capability of even my wildest imagination and I cannot grasp what it means for myself or those I have loved.

But when my turn comes to leave this world may I trust my body to your loving care and enter into your unimaginable glory.

Amen