TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:21-24
Read: John 11:17-24
Listen: John 11
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus arrives on the scene in a familiar place with familiar people. Jesus knows Lazarus and his sisters very well and deeply connects with them. The text even says that he loves Lazarus, Mary and Martha. This time he walks into a house of mourning. Jesus enters and empathizes with his grieving friends experiencing deep loss. Although they trust Lazarus will one day rise again at the resurrection, they still need to grieve his loss. Hope was helpful—but didn’t remove the pain today.
Deep loss is part of living in a broken world and impacts us today. In varying degrees at different times, everyone experiences loss and grief. It can be losing a family member and trying to figure out how to live without them. Perhaps it is losing our health and facing the inability to do the things we once did. Whatever the circumstance, it is not unusual to maybe struggle with our faith amid grief despite having hope for the future. It is important to see that faith in God IS compatible with grief and we can run to him.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
It is possible to express both grief and trust in God. Begin writing a prayer of lament. Bring your concerns and pain to him, and be honest with how you feel. Listen to the song, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” May its words remind you of God’s trustworthiness.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
PHILIPPIANS 4:5b–7
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
