The final pre-assembly devotion is from Bishop Milton. The Virginia Synod Assembly will begin this Friday, June 13 on-campus at Roanoke College.
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You can read John 11:1-45 here.
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In John 11:1-45, Mary and Jesus have a conversation about faith and hope, centered around the death and resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38-44).
Lazarus becomes ill. And the sisters want immediate relief and results. And Jesus is their answer.But God’s Kairos time, the appointed or opportune time, is quite different from our Chronos time, a specific period of time.
Fast forward, Lazarus dies from his illness. Jesus arrives in Bethany. Martha goes out to meet Him. This grief-stricken sister is trying to process why Jesus didn’t show up earlier when He was needed.
I am encouraged by the words of hope that Martha speaks: “But even at this moment, I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus reminds Martha of this conversation later on before He resurrects her brother.How have I experience the type of hope that Martha displayed in Jesus?
Some years ago, I remember being on Pastor Colleen’s podcast, sharing my story of my experience in the candidacy process. Our conversation centered on my l-o-n-g wait (4 years) before my first call. Every afternoon I would put on my uniform for work (Chick-fil-A), look at myself in the mirror, and know that working at a quick service restaurant was not where I was supposed to be. But, like Martha, I was filled with a vibrant hope of a different outcome. For Martha, she hoped that she would receive her brother back. For me, the hope that I would be called by a congregation in the VA Synod to become their pastor.
In verses 39-40, Jesus circles back to the hope that Martha previously expressed, to remind her that even in the midst of death, when Jesus is involved, hope still reigns. Resurrection is still possible. Restoration is always available.
This story calls us to pay attention. There are appointed or opportune times in our lives where we witness Kairos, where God does something so amazing, that our “mustard seed” faith sprouts another root that grows deeper to support and nourish us along this journey, and our faith is informed and strengthened.
Martha experienced a hope born of a relationship with and a recognition of who Jesus is. I continue to share that same hope. A hope that restores, strengthens, and brings new life to the possibilities of what could be.
