Our Sickness Will Not End in Death

“This sickness will not end in death.”

 

These are Jesus' words from today’s reading, John11:1-44.

 

Lazarus had been sick, and he died. Jesus was reassuring Martha and her sister with his words. Threatened by Jews who wanted to stone him, Jesus traveled to Bethany to see Lazarus.

 

Although in the grave for four days, Jesus brought Lazarus back to life.

 

In so doing, Jesus said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” Jesus was acknowledging that he was the Son of God with his words. His actions, bringing dead Lazarus back to life, demonstrated that he was God!

 

This miracle most likely was spoken throughout Judea, Jerusalem and all of Israel. Many people no doubt came to know about Jesus through this miracle.

 

Jesus had a direct impact on the life of Lazarus. He also has a direct impact on our life.

 

We too have a sickness. That sickness is our sinful nature. We cannot help ourselves. We are humans. Sin is what we do.

 

Fortunately for us, “This sickness will not end in death.”

 

It should. God demands justice, and our behaviors demand he take action.

 

Jesus is the Great Physician. His death on the cross takes away our sin, that is, our sickness. His painful action of death cured us. We will live forever.

 

Just as Jesus brought Lazarus back to life so he could once again live, Jesus brings us back to life so that we can live with him for eternity.

 

Our sickness will not end in death.

I Can't Help But Admire Thomas

I am an amateur student of history, and I enjoy ancient and medieval history. In addition, perhaps because it is but a generation removed, I especially like to study World War II.

 

I am amazed that the German people let Hitler come to power and most did not try to stop him. I am astounded at the politics and what it took for the United States to enter the war.  I am also surprised at how easily the Nazis conquered Europe and sealed it off from the Western world.

 

The US and England needed to invade France, and they chose Omaha Beach in Normandy. Eighteen year old men travelled across the English Channel, waded in water from their amphibious vehicles to the beach, with German gunfire peppering their approach. Nearly 1 in 10 Allied Forces perished on June 6, 1944.

 

What went through the minds of these young men on that day? Did they think they were invincible? Did they not understand the danger? Or was their courage driven by the need to preserve freedom?

 

We can’t really say, but I can’t help but admire these heroes.

 

Today’s reading is John 11:1-16. Lazarus, brother of Martha and Mary, had died in Bethany. Word came to Jesus, who planned to travel through Jerusalem to Bethany to restore Lazarus to health.

 

There was a problem. The Jews had recently attempted to stone Jesus and he fled with his disciples. His disciples thought travelling back through Jerusalem was not a good idea, since it clearly was not safe for Jesus.

 

After Jesus and some disciples had their discussion, Thomas chimed in, “Let us also go, that we may die with him [Jesus].”

 

On the one hand, you have to admire Thomas. He believed that following Jesus in this instance meant sure death. Yet, he was willing to go.

 

On the other hand, you have to question Thomas. Did he not know who Jesus is? Did he not believe Jesus when he implied he would make it to Bethany? Thomas did not yet “get it.”

 

Thomas’ understanding was weak, but he did have a strong faith!

 

Like the WWII heroes, I can’t help but admire Thomas!