Curious ones

Today’s Reading: John 12:9-11(NIV)

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in Him.

Good morning!

I was eighteen years old the day Elvis died. Do you remember where you were when you heard the sad news? Jeff and I were driving in the car listening to the radio, when the news of Elvis’ death came across the radio waves. It was hard to accept that the man affectionately known by many as the king of rock and roll was gone. People from all over the country poured into the town of Memphis and lined the streets surrounding Elvis’ home at Graceland. Many came to pay tribute to this singer, songwriter and actor, who had changed the face of rock and roll music forever. Many came to grieve. Through the years, Elvis not only gave away his gift of song and his financial fortune. He regularly bought cars for people and gave money away to those in need. The sad tragedy surrounding Elvis’ death pricked America’s conscience, and people came from everywhere to share their stories and grief all together in one place. Jeff and I made the pilgrimage to Graceland that year. It had been almost three months since his death; yet, when we arrived, we stood in line with hundreds of others, waiting patiently to pay our respects. I’ll never forget the faces of the ones who came to see the home where Elvis lived and died.

Curious people were compelled to travel to the village of Bethany. They had heard Jesus was there, visiting Lazarus, the one whom He had raised from the dead. The Holy Spirit was at work behind the scenes, causing a stir among the Jews. Many had questions; they wondered if this Jesus was truly the promised Messiah. Some carried a deep conviction, believing that seeing these men would perfect their limited vision. The public’ interest placed a burr in the bonnets of the chief priests. Tossing aside their revered Jewish laws, they plotted to kill not just one but two men, for fear that the crowds would begin to believe in this Jesus and the Gospel message He preached.

If you had an opportunity to meet the One who raises the dead to new life, would you leave the creature comforts of home behind and go see for yourself? We have a Savior to share with the world. He is here, right now. How far would you travel to meet the Lord Jesus Christ today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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