In this episode, we discuss the readings for the fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: John 11:1-45; Romans 8:6-11; Psalm 130; Ezekiel 37:1-14.
We discuss the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, grief and bereavement, and Mary's and Martha's response. We consider Paul's words on living by the flesh and living by the Spirit and how legalism is contrary to Jesus' light and easy yoke. We look at Psalm 130 and the promised grace of forgiveness and conclude with the epic themes of the Valley of the Dry Bones.
**Clarification: in the podcast we name some harms of "nouthetic/biblical counseling," which is a specific subset of behavioristic teaching. "Nouthetic counseling" is different from "Christian counseling" or licensed professional counseling offered by Christian practitioners, which we heartily recommend.** Please feel free to reach out if you'd like more clarification.
Notes:
--Clarissa Moll's book Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living With Grief and Thriving After Loss
--Letting Grief Come to Church from Surprised By Grief podcast
--Letting Grief Come to Church article, by: Clarissa Moll
--Out of the Tomb Marissa' blog post reflection on John 11
--Resurrection Power Marissa' blog post reflection on 2 Kings 13:21
--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A
--Metrical Collect for the 5th Sunday in Lent
The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of John
--Bible Project's overview of Romans
--Bible Project's overview of Ezekiel
--Bible Project's overview of the Psalms
3:56 Collect
5:02 John 11:1-45
30:01 Romans 8:6-11
45:57 Psalm 130
57:12 Ezekiel 37:1-14
Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.