April 2- Our readings this morning all point to the new life of Easter. Ezek. 37, dry bones-WP it is in this sense that breathing becomes a metaphor for divine presence. Despite the exiles’ fear of being cut off from God, God is as near to them as their own breath. Ezekiel’s vision does nothing to alleviate them of their present difficult circumstances, though it does promise them a future..Spirit help us to see what needs to be treasured, what needs to be relinquished, what needs to be tried.
Though they remain in exile, still coping with the death of loved ones, still mourning the loss of familiar ways to find and meet God, they are reassured of God’s presence.... Because God is present, they can breathe. And stand ready for the future, looking forward in hope.... While celebrating the victory over death, we refuse to evaluate the systems, patterns, and consequences of our walk through the valley of its shadow.That is being applied to a whole people, but it takes little imagination to apply it to a congregation as well.to propel us to humble faithfulness rather than condemn us to silent despondency or self-righteous indignation.
Rom. 8:6-11, Paul tells believers that if they put to death the practices of the body by the Spirit they will live (verses. 12-13; see also 6:11). The Spirit’s work is to replicate the life of Christ in believers both at the present time through obedience in righteousness (1:18; 6:13, 16, 18, 20) -- . The Holy Spirit continues the work of producing the form of Christ in believers. We often say we are the hands and feet of the body of /christ. We may even say we look for the christ in each other. We don't leap to this one very often, the mind of christ.Jervis-The word “mind” in verse 6 -- to set the mind on the flesh -- means mentality or outlook or aspiration.-- phronema -- indicates what a person strives for, what a person aims at, what a person cares most about, an orientation. (see working preacher)
John 11 -I have never understood that Jesus does not rush to the scene of Lazarus and then is greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved-Why? -is it the presence of death itself- purely personal feelings of the impact of loss on him and others? resurrection and the life now as well as in an afterlife could not be clearer than with Lazarus-
Why succession of sisters? Resurrection now and into a new dimension of life as well-issue of expectations. A terrible evil the occasion for demonstration of ultimate healing-Jesus embodies healing and resurrection Thoreau did not want to face death knowing that he had not lived-grave clothes become swaddling clothes-Unbind him from the powers of death that prevent extension into life(see Carrie Newcomer) and zombies- I do not have a feel for our current obsession with the undead.This miracle is a death warrant for Jesus. John’s love of irony continues here.Even though Lazarus is raised, he is still mortal, somewhat like being baptized into new life. Jesus will peer into a grave not unlike the one he will soon be laid.Just as Lazarus is surely dead; I have always liked the KJV that after four days, he stinketh. The one with power over even death itself to bring life will himself be dead and buried. Jesus even shares the abode of death with us. Even the tomb is not so deep nor fearsome that Jesus will not face it with and for us. With that different kind of light of resurrection life, nothing retains the same aspect-everything appears different.Only in god’s hands can death become a vehicle for new life.
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