WEDNESDAY, September 8

John 11:1-16. Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?

Jesus had suggested that a visit be made to the home of Mary and Martha in Bethany to minister to their brother Lazarus. The disciples knew Lazarus was ill, but only Jesus realized he had died. Perhaps to reinforce the faith of his followers, Jesus had decided to bring Lazarus back to life. Because of a previous incidence of stoning, the disciples questioned the wisdom of returning to that region.

Now the truth comes out: Lazarus is dead. But he will be raised from the dead, and so important is this to Jesus that any thought of physical danger to himself becomes inconsequential.

Our response to human need often falters in the face of possible consequences. We love to count the cost. How many of us would risk physical danger to save a friend? Perhaps it is because we value our lives so much. Yet Christians should never fear death if they know they do God’s will. “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel will save it” (Mark 8:35). (1964)

PRAY for the Diocese of Gusau (Province of Kaduna, Nigeria)

Ps 119:49-72 * 49, [53]; Job 29:1; 30:1-2,16-31; Acts 14:19-28

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Amazing

Sep 08, 2010 at 6:47 am

Written by Philly Hoffman,

This is what makes our miltary so incredible. They are willing to sacrifice themselves for countrymen that they don't even know. It's what make the "Christians" who fail to respect the military for their dedication to an ideal so wrong.

...

Sep 08, 2010 at 7:54 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

I think of the ten Boom family and others who hid Jews from the Nazis.

Sacrifice

Sep 08, 2010 at 8:20 am

Written by Stephen,

Only God knows true sacrifice since no one has pure motives. We certainly can turn to the saints for some mentors. Christ is the perfect sacrifice, the rest of us can hope for God's grace in any small or large sacrifice whether in war or peace, in prosperity or poverty, in serving justice or fighting injustice. Let's not forget the small battles of everyday life as parents, teachers business people and workers where our sacrifices can bring a torment only known to God. In Afghanistan our soldiers have to do all these things with the burden of a nation that has too many people fanning the flames of fear against Muslims. God help us.

misplaced devotion

Sep 08, 2010 at 10:16 am

Written by Tom Pritchard,

Richer old men always have and always will find poorer, younger men, and now women, to secure and enhance their wealth by killing others. This has frequently been and remains a misplaced faith in causes for which many have and continue to perish. Let us not confuse "patriotic" aggression with the willingness of Jesus to go where he may not have been welcomed.

There have been su*gestions that, first of all, the gospels are stories not necessarily based in first hand witnessed acts and, second of all, the "actions" of Jesus, as reported, were calculated to enhance faith and belief. Consider the 5th chapter of Acts and try to explain to me how that fear mongering was expressing the message of love that Jesus "gave" to us.

One can question whether altruism truly exists or is really only self serving mechanism for ensuring or trying to enhance ones own wellbeing, ego or otherwise.

Mr.

Sep 08, 2010 at 2:53 pm

Written by Norman,

Far to often we in this country intermingle religion and patriotism as can be seen in the comment about soldiers and sacrifice posted earlier. There is a danger in this that allows one to justify actions by the military, no matter what they are, as sanctioned by God. It implies that, "God is on our side" and we can do no wrong.

It is interesting that the writer of the comment I am referring to put the word Christians in quotes as if implying that those who do not agree are some how lacking in their Christianity. We, each of us, need to be tolerant of the views of others; but we also need to be careful that we do not step across a line seperating religion and patrotism, a formula that history has shown to be disasterous.

...

Sep 08, 2010 at 10:37 pm

Written by Steve Doutt,

Thank you Norman. I am a veteran of 28 year of active duty in the United States military service. I've stood in morning formation, saluting the colors (American Flag), with a Muslim on my right, a Native American on my left, a Buddhist in front of me, and a Shinto behind me. I would give my life for them, and they would give their lives for me. We all believe that if we do the right thing, there is a place for us in the clearing at the end of the path.

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