I Am the Resurrection

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. John 11:17-29 

I Am the Resurrection

O God you hold our lives in your hands

so many have died in this strange year

the grief for families is overwhelming

the world echoes with the mourning.

You found that Lazarus was already dead 

his sister ran to you in her visible sorrow

and you assured her of lifegiving power

saying. "I am the resurrection and the life."

Let us be like the brave sister Martha

saying, "yes, Lord, I believe" now

with he weight of the loss on our hearts

restore our faith and belief again.

Make us resilient and strong today

help us to run with faith and courage

make you love our goal and home

so we cry with Martha, "Yes, Lord, I believe!" Amen