Easter 2023

 I can’t believe it’s time to do our Easter letters! I pray as you head into this Easter season you feel Gods grace and love. Take the time to write your kids about the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter is so important to our Christian faith and what a blessing that we can share it with our kids. As always feel free to copy and use my letters. God bless and be inspired 

Happy Easter my family across the other side of the world. God bless! I have been reflecting off the story of Lazarus and the miracle that God performed in his life. In John 11:1-44 you will read about how God is glorified by the raising Lazarus from the dead. I recently did a Bible study at work on this chapter. And I wanted to share with you what some of the residents at the nursing home thought of it.

Lazarus is a man of faith and his life reflects this. His sisters Mary and Martha are close with Jesus and call upon Him when their brother Lazarus becomes sick. As you read John 11 you will discover that Jesus delays coming to the aid of his friend for two days John 11: 6. During this time Lazarus dies and is buried in a tomb. The grief must have been  unbearable for his sisters and family.  As we read on Jesus tells us 

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”John 11:14-15

When Jesus arrived in Judea he discovers Lazarus has been dead for four days. His family was grieving at the loss of their loved one.  Their grief is evident in what they said to Jesus “ “Lord,” Martha/Mary said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21&31. His response is do you believe in my truth and resurrection? Martha’s response is “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:27.

The next thing Jesus does is an amazing miracle. John 11:33-44 Jesus is moved by the family’s grief  and it says in vs 33 Jesus was troubled by their suffering. He felt their pain and he used this moment to do a miracle. He goes to Lazarus tomb and tells them to toll  away the stone. 

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John11:40-41 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”! Jesus raised him from the dead so that God may be glorified and we may believe and our faith bf stronger. 

As you go into this Easter season remember the greatness of Gods love for you. He died on the cross so you may live! Just like when he raised Lazarus from the dead He can transform you with His resurrection. Take the time to read this bible passage this week. Let it speak to your heart. We love you and are praying for you this Easter season.