John 12:9-11

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. - John 12:9-11

Dear Jesus,

It was a only a few days before you would die for us.  You knew the time was near.  You had raised from the dead your dear friend, Lazarus.  It should have been a happy time without flaw.  But it wasn't.  It was still planet earth where jealousies and fear drive people and disease invades homes and lives.  The Jewish leaders with their hard hearts responded by wanting to kill Lazarus.  I wonder when it was that Lazarus regretted being brought back to this mess.  But as dark as the time was, it was still holy, and set apart for our salvation.  I know this dark time on our planet is still a holy time even though there's a virus competing for the spotlight among diseases that kill.  It's a time for all of us to purge our minds and hearts, to reconnect with what's real and important and spiritual.  It's our time to grow out of pain and suffering and stress.   The people around you after you raised Lazarus put their faith in you even though they were in hard times.  I will put my faith in you too. Our present situation does not define the meaning of life for me.  You do.  My life is about resurrection and hope.  Help me reflect that hope and grace to the ones stuck at home with me.  


Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Going over to Jesus in a chaotic world is best way to shelter at home.