The Day is Coming

Vulnerability, tenderness and memories have dominated my day-to-day conversations with you. Looking deeply into Jesus’ work of healing has blossomed a work of healing at Chapel Hill. Aren’t you so glad to hear one another’s stories? The testimonies, the songs, and the preaching on the God who heals these past two Sundays have been remarkable. So when I read the story of Lazarus in John 11 this week, it was with different eyes—eyes desiring to see healing. What would Jesus do when he encountered one of his own who he had not healed in time?

Those of you still in the process of healing, read John 11:17-44 and see how Jesus responds to the grief of his friends:

1. He came to them. John 11:17

2. He listens to the grief of his friends. John 11:21-32

3. He feels their grief. John 11:33-35

4. He assures them of his promise. John 11:25-26

5. He acts on his promise. John 11:38-44

Jesus still operates the same way! It is Advent, the season of Christ’s coming, and we affirm that he still comes to you! Christ lives in you, and he draws near to you. Pray to him. He hears you! Our God does not stand apart from us unable to feel. Jesus knows human emotion, and he has compassion for your grief. Be assured of his promise that He alone is the resurrection and the life! He does act on his promise, and the day is coming when we will see him face-to-face.

Those of us who raised our hands that we have not yet received the healing we wanted continue to anticipate the day that our healing will be complete. Be assured that the day is coming when “death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore” !!!! (Revelation 21:4).

Until that day comes, I invite you to live the anticipation of that day—that season of Advent—with me all the more. Come and worship the God who fulfills his promises to us. Invite others to come and meet the God who heals. I’ll be with you worshipping, listening, feeling, assuring, and waiting all the while. Come, Lord Jesus!

Pastor Megan