Image from Sam Houston State University
Were John's account of the raising of Lazarus a contemporary story in the media, one can imagine a subtitle, An intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse of Jesus of Nazareth.
Jesus had a special friendship with Mary, Martha and Lazarus and their closeness is manifest in the description of Jesus' emotions in this story.
It is not a stretch to say that Jesus has a special friendship with each of us, too and his heart's love for us springs up from the same depths as did his love for Lazarus. Indeed, we are the ones he loves... we are the ones who claim his heart's affection and saving love.
I got my MA from Sam Houston!! I do not remember this statue. I wonder if it is relatively new or if I was just oblivious back then. . . .
ReplyDeleteMy eldest is in college now (not at Sam) and I am praying so hard for her. She is going through some big doubts of faith and it has really caught me by surprise.
Please add some prayers for her, Father.
Thank you.
Found the graphic on the Sam Houston site, but it's actually from the memorial park in Oklahoma City:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.shsu.edu/~org_psjf/curriculum_2_page.htm
Concord pastor, I am new to your blog. Everything you say is thought provoking and wonderful. BUT ... I still, each time, have the question in my head ... how do I know for SURE, God wants to be close to me. No one else does. Why would he? Why would you preach this over and over again?? I do not see any proof of what I so desperately want to believe. Am I not "good", in wanting proof that someone is out there listening?
ReplyDeleteMarch 8, 2008 9:50 PM
Colette I do not know you, but I sometimes wonder about how God can love me. I sometimes do not love myself, but can easily love others. I am not sure about what you mean by proof and I do not know your life and its blessings and challenges, but to me the proof that God wants to be close to me is that when I am away from His house and I come back I feel better in so many ways. I realize that I miss Him and that He wants to be there for me. My proof is my children and their growing belief and even their questions that make me have to think too. My proof is the beauty around me and all the good things in my life, especially the small things (that I sometimes really have to look for). My proof is that some of the things that I wanted so badly during my life and did not get (or did not happen) were really better for me. My proof is that my best friend had brain cancer and she believes with such depth that I can only hope for that type of closeness with God.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what proof you want and I understand wanting proof, but I think that what you specifically think of as proof might not be the kind of proof God is already giving you.
Thanks for sharing.
Colette, You're not alone in wondering about these things. You're not alone in feeling unworthy of God's love. That's a normal feeling because we all sin. This small space for commenting probably isn't enough to convince you that God's love for each and every one of us is for real. I can only tell you that proof to me is how I am, who I become when I am open to this love. God's love for us isn't about our worthiness. It's about who God is. We hear the phrase "God is love" and it may sound over-used and corny, but it's true! Also, I am convinced that God loves each and every one of us when I reflect on the Cross of Christ.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Thanks wholeheartedly, to both anonymous's for responding. Both responses strengthen my sometimes, weakened faith, and made me think maybe I'm blind to the "proof" that is right before my eyes. I was afraid of commenting, for fear of being ignored. Thanks for putting my fears to rest.
ReplyDeleteColette: I don't think you'll find yourself spiritually ignored on this blog. The readers here care and pray for each other and are gentle in the good counsel they offer. Anne, above, notes wisely that this is a "small space" and not all questions can be answered here, not all dilemmas can be resolved - but good company and others who understand will be here for you. Welcome into "this small place" - there's plenty of room for you!
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