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The Bible Study – Our readings for Tuesday, June 4 are Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 & John 11:1-16. The Preacher of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, urges us to remember the Creator in our youth. A fitting end to this book of wisdom. How many young people today are never brought to God’s Church, never taught the Bible at home, never hear of their Saviour from those responsible for their care. The afflictions of age beset those who attain it. But the same God who determines the limits of life in this sin broken world has offered new life in and through Jesus Christ. Believe the Good News. Everything the Preacher has considered and wrote about bring him back to God and His Word in these final verses. All is not vanity when Christian believers, forgiven sinners, are restored in Heaven. In our Gospel passage, Lazarus lies ill in Bethany. This is the brother of Martha and Mary, and friend of Jesus. The sisters send word to Christ, but He replies, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved the sisters and Lazarus. He delays not out of lack of concern, but so that all may know He is the promised Messiah. The disciples warn Jesus that returning to Bethany, only two miles from Jerusalem, is dangerous. The religious authorities had tried to stone Him. Jesus will travel back, not only to raise Lazarus from the sleep of death, but to complete the mission of salvation God the Father gave Him. Out of love for us, our Lord will go on to the cross. The resurrected Son of God will one day raise believers to eternal life. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/sermons/new-to-the-christian-faith