Thought For The Week 26 March 2023

I’ve been dwelling this week in the story of the raising of Lazarus from John 11.  What stands out in this text is Jesus pinnacle statement; “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…” This is often quoted at Christian funerals and is a reminder that death, even with its apparent finality, is not the end as there is more to come beyond the grave. The raising of Lazarus is the last of 7 signs given in John’s gospel pointing to the divinity and lordship of Jesus. Even death- including his own- doesn’t have the final say. He is lord, even of death.

I’m drawn to another key verse in which Martha declares “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God who is come into the world” (John 11:27). This mirrors the exact same statement made by Peter (Matt 16:16). In other passages we see Martha busy fussing over dinner preparations and chiding her sister Mary for not helping but here she is  honoured as a woman of great faith who sees Jesus for who he truly is.

Today will be my last Sunday with you for 3 months as Catherine and I fly to Singapore then onto the UK this week. We will be holidaying until 26 April when I start at Cambridge for my study component and we return on July 4. This trip has been years in the planning and I almost can’t believe we are about to embark on this journey! I will write some travel updates for the LINK so look out for those. I know you will be well cared for by Rory and Luke and the church is in good hands.

God bless,

Brent