Odessa Christ Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church
602 East Amende Drive
PO Box 400
Odessa, WA 99159
(509) 982-2411
Pre-K thru Adult
Education 9:15
Sunday Service 10:30
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Sunday, March 29th, 2020, Scripture and Sermon
Read: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Psalm 130, Romans 8 1-11 and John 11 1-53
This week’s scripture lessons cover a lot of ground. The Ezekiel 37 reading is very familiar, but little understood. Best to keep in mind, the “Valley of Dry Bones” reading concerned the exiled nation of Israel at that time in history, who thought they would never inhabit their homeland (the Promised Land) again. God promises them they will not be abandoned to a graveyard in Babylon, but will be raised up to again inhabit the land of Israel. The long term application of these verses for us is that even when we were dead in our trespasses and sins, we were made alive in Christ as Paul said (by grace you have been saved) that by His mercy, we too look forward to a share in the Kingdom. He really does bring our dry bones together and then breathes life into them.
Psalm 130 is one of great hope and truly a life raft to remind us where real value lies. In a time when we are concerned about the imminent presence of sickness and death, financial reversal, social distancing and toilet paper hoarding, we can take the time to search our hearts and acknowledge the one who is always in charge of our lives in good times or bad. Let the lessons we are being taught in these troubling times be remembered if and when the tough times pass.
The Romans 8 reading reiterates the promise made in Ezekiel 37 and again applies it directly to us who believe in the resurrected Christ and have been grafted in to the tree of Israel. Just as God chose Israel to be His people, we who have been adopted into the Kingdom share in all its benefits with the special status of chosen ones. As Jesus told his disciples in John 15:16 “You did not choose Me but I chose you,” and that for a purpose “that you would go and bear fruit”. We have been fully equipped, given our marching orders, and promised much.
The gospel Lesson John 11 shows us the power of God over death even before Jesus’ resurrection. He and the disciples stayed “two days longer” right where they were so there would be no question Lazarus was “good and dead” and not just asleep.
The great depth of faith possessed by Lazarus’ sisters is on display as Jesus questions Martha closely about her knowledge of eternal life. She cuts right to the chase after Jesus askes “Do you believe this”, by her answer “Yes, Lord: I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the World”. An insight I’m not sure even the disciples had prior to the resurrection and the 40 days after when Jesus appeared and explained things to them again, then sent the Holy Spirit to remind them what He had told them. Martha really “got it”.
This whole event set the stage for Jesus’ crucifixion and put Lazarus in danger too.
Closing Prayer:
I lift up my eyes to You, eternal Caretaker of mankind, who is our refuge and strength. I know you will not fail us in this hour of trouble, but will give the faith and the courage necessary to carry on. Today again let your mercies override all worry and distress. Keep us calm, restful, unalarmed. Ease our pain, and let your divine forgiveness speak peace to our souls. Fill our hearts with cheerfulness, patience, hope and confidence.
Bless our homes as we carry on each day with our problems of sickness and care. Remove from our hearts all fears and misgivings. Give each one of us the needed rest, a cheerful outlook, and a peaceful night. Watch over the many in hospitals and care facilities across our country. Then yours shall be the glory through Jesus Christ, whose compassion has made him the heavenly friend of every suffering soul. Amen.
Sing or read “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” #479 (Green Hymnal)