Why Not Now: Repairing My Relationship with Family - Monday
John 11:1
A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. (NLT)
If you were raised by humans, you likely agree that families are typically a little messed up.
Even with the most loving parents or well-intentioned siblings, we know that some pain, disappointment, and hurt feelings are downright unavoidable. Then throw in a few crazy cousins or odd-ball uncles and it’s easy to see family relationships will need a little repairing.
In John 11 we meet three siblings: Lazarus, Martha & Mary.
While we don’t know who was the oldest or who got the best grades in school or who made funny faces in family photos, we do know family dynamics can be tricky, and we see that in how Mary, Martha, and Lazarus interact with each other, and with Jesus. When Lazarus dies, the sisters are devastated. More than likely their brother provided for them, so there was fear wrapped up in his passing, "How will we pay the rent? How will we afford food and clothes?"
Some of our best and worst moments will likely happen in the context of family. And in those worst moments the question becomes: “what do you do with those negative emotions?” If we’re not careful we can carry those hurts with us through life. And they always impact a lot more than we expect.
Thankfully Jesus gives us a better way. He is able to handle our frustrations and can be the solution to them, if we allow Him to be. In John 11, He absorbs the fear, the pain, and the fatigue of the sisters and raises their brother from the dead. What could He do in our families if we took our negative emotions to Him first?
This week we are going to look in-depth at that story in John 11:1-44. I’d encourage you to read through it today. It’s 44 verses which means it will only take you about 5-6 minutes to read. Then come back tomorrow and let's begin walking through it.
Monday’s Reflection
How is your communication (or lack thereof) with your family? Is it cultivating the relationship you want? Is there anything you would change if you could?
