Resurrection LIFE!
Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord,” Martha replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God,
who is to come into the world.”
-John 11:25-27
Christ is RISEN! He is risen, INDEED!
Jesus told his disciples many times of his impending death and the promise of resurrection. Even so, it was still difficult for them to believe. As believers in this miracle and promise of the resurrection, we have the benefit of generations past. But there are still times when I feel my savior ask me the question, “Do you believe this?”
Yes, Lord. I believe through the power of the Holy Spirit and your presence in my life. Even when the world tells me that faith is meaningless, my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Resurrection life is not only in the last days, it is right here. Right now. God is making all things new right before our very eyes. I love springtime when we see those trees that we wondered if they were living or dead, come back to verdant life! Those forgotten bulbs not only survived the winter, but came back more glorious than ever before! This is what God does in our lives both on earth and in the earth to come. Our prayer for this Sunday is powerful. I would like to share it with you today:
Friends, we are made in the image of God, but that does not make us God. Though we often prefer to pretend we are perfect, when we ignore our sin we deceive only ourselves and there is no room for God’s truth to dwell in us. When we confess our sin, we experience the grace and mercy of God in the here and now. Before God, with the people of God, let us confess to our faults and our failings. Let us pray:
Creator God, with a word you formed us from the dust of the earth and breathed the breath of life into us. You call us to live as stewards, reflecting your glorious image into the world. When we have scorned your gift of creation, placing ourselves over and above rather than within and among, forgive us. When we have ignored your gift of creativity, believing it inferior to the gifts of the intellect, forgive us. When we have sought you in heaven and ignored you on earth, forgive us. Gracious God, fill us again with your creative spirit, that your image may shine forth in our lives. We pray in the name of your creating Word made flesh, Jesus the Christ. Amen. In the beginning, God planted goodness deep within creation—and through the grace of God, poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we are able to live as the Body of Christ, showing that goodness to the world. Friends, live and believe this good news: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Thank you to Bob Merriman for filling our pulpit this Sunday.
Pastor Hanna will be with her family at the Xcel Region 2 Gymnastics tournament in Salem. Vivienne Shearer, Gabby & Cami Mitchell are competing with athletes from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho and Montana. MCGA Coach Joanne Mitchell is leading these dedicated athletes.
Pastor Sara will be with many of the women of our church at the annual Women’s Retreat.
