Glory (Lent A5)

JN 11:4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."

Leon Morris makes interesting observations on Johannine use of Glory.

"It means that the ultimate issue of this sickness would not be death. Rather it would be 'for God's glory' (…Haenchen remarks, 'God's glory does not consist in sparing the faithful life's difficulties')…. Jesus was seen to be at one with the Father, and many came to believe on him (v.45). But the true glory is in the cross and this incident led right on to Calvary (v. 50)."

Is there something in this Lenten period that we see the Glory of God, not in the bright and beautiful, but in the difficult and dark?

Life! (Lent A5)

Lent this year has offered us juxtaposition of life with and without the resurrection. Nicodemus comes in the night to discover new birth. The woman at the well came in thirst to the wilderness to find the Stream of Living water that would flow from her soul. The blind man received sight and proved those who reject Christ are in the darkness.

This week the very power of life overcomes death. Can you imagine standing at the tomb as Jesus cries "Lazarus come out!"? This man is dead, four days gone. We have mourned him, and out he steps. Let the power of that moment strike us this week. For John this is another sign Jesus is the messiah and those who believe in him though they die, yet shall they live.

For us Paul shows us the power of the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead is in us! If we look to the flesh we are already dead. Through the Spirit, we know God and already enjoy a measure of that eternal life.

From dry bones to living sons, as we wait on the Lord, he restores us from the grave! Lord may it be in my congregation and in those of all who contemplate your life this week as we echo your voice!