March 21, 2021 Sunday of the 5th Week in Lent-B

Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 130

Romans 8:8-11

John 11:1-45

“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me even if he dies will live.” John 11:25

Jesus, you always call us to a belief in you that can defeat death. By all accounts Lazarus’ life was over. The spark of life had left him.  He was in the tomb.  But with this sign you showed everyone that you were the master of death and the restorer to life. You would soon defeat the death of sin for everyone by giving yourself up on the cross. I believe in you dear Jesus and I know in my heart that you can bring me to life and defeat the sin which wants to claim my life. You can call me out from the tomb and set me free if I but believe in you. You offer me something greater than you gave Lazarus. He would live for a while but eventually die again. When you forgive me you call me forth from the tomb of sin and you offer eternal life. Lord, I know you love me as much as you loved Lazarus. I believe you weep for me when I reject your grace and go my own way. Lord, today I will listen as you call my name forth from the tomb of sin and into the light which you brought into the world. I have come to believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who can bring me to life again.  Amen.