A Message of Hope From the Tomb
John 11:1-45
We are experiencing a pandemic that is still killing thousands around the world.
We were warned few years ago, by Bill Gates, that this may going to happen.
The U.N. and governments, failed to listen. Until the situation aggravated.
I am wondering if the warning from the Book Revelations about the Four Horsemen fits this global experience of conquests, wars, famine, and sicknesses. Many Bible scholars say, these stories are reflections from past histories. But feeling the fear brought by the COVID19, I must admit, tempted to interpret the story of the Four Horsemen as a warning from the past for today. Maybe, the pale Horseman is visiting us (again) today, as it was with the black plague or SARS Virus. The number of dying people is rising everyday.
Death is the most unwanted visitor in the world of the living,
But it keeps on coming by surprise
Without warning.
You may try to shut your doors to stop it from entering,
Then it hits like an arrow, though your window, to end a heart from beating.
As we mature, we come to realize that death is just a part of life. In fact it is both a friend and an enemy. At times, it is like water, in a small amount, it may be a refreshing drink for both the dying and for those who will be left behind.
Death for an old, suffering, weakening patient in an hospital may be called a peaceful homecoming. A kind of relief, especially for a fulfilled, victorious person, who did the right things while living.
But as a gushing flood, water may be devastating. It will become an enemy. The unwanted death of thousands we are witnessing everyday in the news is devastating. It brings us fear, anxiety and hopelessness.
Trump is hoping that this pandemic will end by Easter 2020. Many says he was not actually dreaming, but is still in denial. The world is still confined in the tomb. The stone of the tomb has not been rolled away. Where is the way out? Where will our hope coming from?
Death visited Martha and Mary in the text.
Another frontliner, a doctor, a nurse, who is supposed to be a protector for people, died today. Lazarus was a frontliner, he ought to be the protector for his younger sisters. But death chose him to be its victim. Just like their parents who passed away years ago.
When death comes, nobody will stand victorious against it. It will tell us again, and again, that we got no choice but to succomb to its power.
Then Jesus came.
It is interesting how the early Christians faced life and death at the same time and were able to declare that by being with Jesus Christ they were victorious.
Early Christians worshipped in catacombs, on cemeteries, to escape death, and at the same time to celebrate life with the Spirit of Jesus and with one another.
Our story talks about the juxtaposition of the tomb and Jesus. And it ended, calling us to the conclusion that Jesus won the battle against death.
This story it reminds us how the early Christians celebrated life inspite of the reality of death.
1. Because the PRESENCE of Jesus was with them.
The presence of Jesus for them was not demonstrated through lifeless rituals, but through the actual demonstration of God's love for one another in the midst of the reality of suffering and death. While in the catacombs they shared resources and lived for one another.
2. Through the church, the POWER of the resurrected Christ sustained them as a community. This celebrated power of Christ sustained them, as they face the reality of the cross that haunted them.
And by this power, they were able to turn the haunting cross into a symbol of hope.
3. And lastly, they lived in the brink of death, the PEACE of Christ was with them.
They were the early Christians who faced the tomb as a reality of life, but carried with them the presence, the power and the peace of Christ, which for them is a greater reality. This is the promise they embraced.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
We still need Christ today.
Praying, that we will be able to sing like the Psalmist when he sang,
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...
For you are with me...
John 11:1-45
We are experiencing a pandemic that is still killing thousands around the world.
We were warned few years ago, by Bill Gates, that this may going to happen.
The U.N. and governments, failed to listen. Until the situation aggravated.
I am wondering if the warning from the Book Revelations about the Four Horsemen fits this global experience of conquests, wars, famine, and sicknesses. Many Bible scholars say, these stories are reflections from past histories. But feeling the fear brought by the COVID19, I must admit, tempted to interpret the story of the Four Horsemen as a warning from the past for today. Maybe, the pale Horseman is visiting us (again) today, as it was with the black plague or SARS Virus. The number of dying people is rising everyday.
Death is the most unwanted visitor in the world of the living,
But it keeps on coming by surprise
Without warning.
You may try to shut your doors to stop it from entering,
Then it hits like an arrow, though your window, to end a heart from beating.
As we mature, we come to realize that death is just a part of life. In fact it is both a friend and an enemy. At times, it is like water, in a small amount, it may be a refreshing drink for both the dying and for those who will be left behind.
Death for an old, suffering, weakening patient in an hospital may be called a peaceful homecoming. A kind of relief, especially for a fulfilled, victorious person, who did the right things while living.
But as a gushing flood, water may be devastating. It will become an enemy. The unwanted death of thousands we are witnessing everyday in the news is devastating. It brings us fear, anxiety and hopelessness.
Trump is hoping that this pandemic will end by Easter 2020. Many says he was not actually dreaming, but is still in denial. The world is still confined in the tomb. The stone of the tomb has not been rolled away. Where is the way out? Where will our hope coming from?
Death visited Martha and Mary in the text.
Another frontliner, a doctor, a nurse, who is supposed to be a protector for people, died today. Lazarus was a frontliner, he ought to be the protector for his younger sisters. But death chose him to be its victim. Just like their parents who passed away years ago.
When death comes, nobody will stand victorious against it. It will tell us again, and again, that we got no choice but to succomb to its power.
Then Jesus came.
It is interesting how the early Christians faced life and death at the same time and were able to declare that by being with Jesus Christ they were victorious.
Early Christians worshipped in catacombs, on cemeteries, to escape death, and at the same time to celebrate life with the Spirit of Jesus and with one another.
Our story talks about the juxtaposition of the tomb and Jesus. And it ended, calling us to the conclusion that Jesus won the battle against death.
This story it reminds us how the early Christians celebrated life inspite of the reality of death.
1. Because the PRESENCE of Jesus was with them.
The presence of Jesus for them was not demonstrated through lifeless rituals, but through the actual demonstration of God's love for one another in the midst of the reality of suffering and death. While in the catacombs they shared resources and lived for one another.
2. Through the church, the POWER of the resurrected Christ sustained them as a community. This celebrated power of Christ sustained them, as they face the reality of the cross that haunted them.
And by this power, they were able to turn the haunting cross into a symbol of hope.
3. And lastly, they lived in the brink of death, the PEACE of Christ was with them.
They were the early Christians who faced the tomb as a reality of life, but carried with them the presence, the power and the peace of Christ, which for them is a greater reality. This is the promise they embraced.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
We still need Christ today.
Praying, that we will be able to sing like the Psalmist when he sang,
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil...
For you are with me...
