We Are Resurrection People - Your Nightly Prayer - March 23rd

Rev. Kyle Norman

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Your Nightly Prayer

We Are Resurrection People
Your Nightly Prayer
by Kyle Norman

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“I am the resurrection and the life.” - John 11:25

SOMETHING TO PONDER

“Too little, too late.” Have you ever used that expression? It is often employed when someone engages in some last-minute activity. It’s the reluctant “I’m sorry” after the damage has already been done; It’s nice-sounding platitudes in the midst of hardship or struggle; it’s a gesture of goodwill after a relationship has been destroyed. Such occurrences simply land flat in our lives. They hold no power over us. Sure, they sound nice, but they have no impact.

When Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life”, this statement occurs amid Lazarus’ death and burial. If you remember the story, Mary and Martha ask Jesus to come and heal their brother, but Jesus arrives 4 days after Lazarus has been buried. Mary and Martha are heartbroken; They both say to the Lord, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” It’s a statement of heartbreak, confusion, and anger. What is more, there is a subtle tinge of accusation here. It is as the sisters are saying: It’s great you’re here now, but it’s too little, too late.

When Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life, " it’s easy to think that he is talking about the last day when the faithful will rise to eternity. The statement is one of faith and hope, but its reality is pushed off into the distance.

But resurrection isn’t just future-oriented. When Jesus stands before Lazarus’ tomb, speaking about the power of resurrection, he isn’t referencing fluffy clouds and streets of gold. Instead, Jesus points to himself, standing with Mary and Martha in that dark moment. He is present, and because he is there, life can spring forth. Resurrection is wherever Jesus is.

As Christians, we are resurrection people because we believe that Jesus dismantles the power of sin and death by his very presence in our lives. This makes new life available to us. It matters not whether we have had to journey through a hardship for 4 days, 4 months, or 40 years; Jesus is able to reach into the darkest places and breathe new life into us. And because of this truth, we can live in unmatched joy and eternal hope.

Jesus doesn’t just speak a word about resurrection; He is resurrection. He is a new life standing in our midst. Jesus is God’s power, God’s glory, and God’s mighty strength expressed for us. Resurrection and new life are not things we simply claim for our future; they are realities we live in today. To be a resurrection person is to be stubbornly faithful, daring to believe that our lives are never beyond Christ’s life-giving power. Because there is nothing we face that is too complicated for Jesus, or too bad, or to be redeemed.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Precious Jesus,
I thank you for your constant love expressed toward me. I thank you for your grace that sustains me in all things. More than anything, I thank you for standing with me amidst all that I go through in this life. You are resurrection and life, which means you are all I need today.
Help me, O Jesus, to know the power of your resurrection revealed in me and through me. Breathe upon me your Spirit of life. In times of struggle, help me express hope; in times of chaos, may I exude joy; in times of confusion or frustration, make me stalwart in faith.
Lord, as you stood with Mary and Martha, I acknowledge that you stand by me today. May the power of resurrection strip away anything that keeps me from realizing the fullness of your presence. Give me the boldness I need to live my life in the promise, the power, and presence of your eternal life.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Jesus follows the statement about resurrection with the question, “Do you believe this?” What does it mean for you to believe that resurrection and new life are available to you today?

2. After calling Lazarus out of the grave, he has them remove his grave clothes. What are some things that you need to remove so that you might more fully step into a life of resurrection?

3. Jesus is doing nothing. Where do you see Jesus working resurrection in you today?

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. He also maintains his own blog revkylenorman.ca. He has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.