August 13, 2023. Martha's Hope. Dr. Jack Stephenson. Anona UMC
In anticipation of the Cross and Resurrection is the story of the death of Lazarus. Jesus waits when He hears Lazarus is sick, and even when Lazarus dies. Martha, Lazarus’ sisters are mad at Jesus and blame him for the death. When Jesus brings him back to life the story gets to the High Priest and is the beginning of his seeking Jesus’ death. So many people mad at Jesus. Jesus is frustrated because he is there to teach them about a “better blessing” than healing (or even being raised back into this flawed world).
When God says “No”, what does that do to us. The scriptures say “Ask, and it shall be given unto you.” Let’s look at this story and the scripture about the New Heaven and New Earth in the face of our handling the pain of this world.
Scripture: Revelation 21:4