Rev. Zach

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45  There is a lot to talk about in these texts today. I do hope that you will take some time for further reflection during the week because we would be here all day if I tried to address every morsel in the banquet of goodness that we find in the text today. I say that metaphorically, but did you know that Ezekial actually ate a scroll? That was back in chapter 3, and he said it was as sweet as honey!  You can say that I lack his level of commitment, and I will not argue that point. What I will say is that our reading in the Gospel of John is a tipping point in the ministry of Jesus. From this point, his destiny is set, and he is on his final journey to Jerusalem and the cross. We see that clearly in the beginning. Even Thomas gets it when he says, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”  Of course, this passage is about more than the expectation of the cross. It is about the experience of resurrection and salvation! It is ab...

Worship with us:  YouTube (Please subscribe!) Scripture readings:  Psalm 130 ,  John 11:1-45 The gospel reading was presented today in a dramatization by one of our families who are stuck at home as a part of our national response to the spread of the coronavirus. Their enthusiasm for the story is heartwarming and it helps us to see that there is a reason to hope in the midst of all the anxiety and fear all around us. I have to admit, it’s a very strange time to be alive, and I wonder how it will be remembered in the days ahead. There is certainly a greater record of human experience during this pandemic than any that has ever been. One of my favorites is the idea that in a decade or so there will be an American Girl Doll telling the story. For those that don’t know the brand, American Girl dolls represent stories from different time periods. They have clothes and accessories that tell the story, and sometimes they even come with a movie that tells their story. Well...