17/05/2020 | Longing For Hope | If You Had Been Here | Nathanael Ballew | Online Service
Riverside Church, Birmingham, UK
Title: If You Had Been Here
By: Nathanael Ballew
Bible Reading: Book of John (Chapter 11, verses 17-36)
Recorded: Sunday 17/05/2020 (Online Service)
Longing For Hope: If You Had Been Here
In amongst many stories of hope during this crisis, some of the most powerful reports have been about sacrifice on behalf of others. From the NHS staff risking their lives for strangers, to selfless victims giving up ventilators for others there have been beautiful moments of redemption. They have reminded us about the collective power of giving to others.
And that’s why this encounter initially seems so jarring. Verse 6 confuses us. We’re told that Jesus cares about Lazarus (v5) and then he seems not to do anything about it as he simply stays where he is for a couple of days. And yet, as the story progresses we are given a more moving and life-changing portrait of Jesus than we had ever imagined.
As Jesus does an incredible miracle by bringing Lazarus back to life, we are given two snapshots of Jesus. Each snapshot gives us real hope as we try and get through this modern day crisis. Both Martha (v21) and Mary (v32) say the same thing to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died’”. And yet Jesus’ reaction is quite different to them both. To Martha he basically says “I’m in control of death and life and so it’s never too late.” He reminds Martha that there is always hope. And with Mary, though, he simply weeps. Two powerful reminders in these difficulty days - Jesus knows our grief and sadness and, with him, there is always hope.
For full videos of our livestream services please visit our YouTube Channel - http://bit.ly/RiversideChurchOnline
What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together physically on a Sunday morning is still true of us online. We exist to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church and to find our social media account information please visit: https://riverside-church.org.uk/
Note: While this talk is based on the above listed sections of the Bible, the actual bible readings used during our services may sometimes change.
By: Nathanael Ballew
Bible Reading: Book of John (Chapter 11, verses 17-36)
Recorded: Sunday 17/05/2020 (Online Service)
Longing For Hope: If You Had Been Here
In amongst many stories of hope during this crisis, some of the most powerful reports have been about sacrifice on behalf of others. From the NHS staff risking their lives for strangers, to selfless victims giving up ventilators for others there have been beautiful moments of redemption. They have reminded us about the collective power of giving to others.
And that’s why this encounter initially seems so jarring. Verse 6 confuses us. We’re told that Jesus cares about Lazarus (v5) and then he seems not to do anything about it as he simply stays where he is for a couple of days. And yet, as the story progresses we are given a more moving and life-changing portrait of Jesus than we had ever imagined.
As Jesus does an incredible miracle by bringing Lazarus back to life, we are given two snapshots of Jesus. Each snapshot gives us real hope as we try and get through this modern day crisis. Both Martha (v21) and Mary (v32) say the same thing to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died’”. And yet Jesus’ reaction is quite different to them both. To Martha he basically says “I’m in control of death and life and so it’s never too late.” He reminds Martha that there is always hope. And with Mary, though, he simply weeps. Two powerful reminders in these difficulty days - Jesus knows our grief and sadness and, with him, there is always hope.
For full videos of our livestream services please visit our YouTube Channel - http://bit.ly/RiversideChurchOnline
What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together physically on a Sunday morning is still true of us online. We exist to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church and to find our social media account information please visit: https://riverside-church.org.uk/
Note: While this talk is based on the above listed sections of the Bible, the actual bible readings used during our services may sometimes change.
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