CORINTH

-Sermon Notes-

March 22, 2026

 

 “Lift Your Heads, Watch This!”

(Ezekiel 37:1-14,  John 11:1-45)

     There are two words we hear a lot as parents and grandparents: “watch this!” These words are used when a child is excited about having you watch something they are about to do, whether it’s knocking down a tall pile of blocks, or shooting a basketball.  While picking-up a grandchild at school recently, I was struck by how many parents’/grandparents’ heads were down while staring at cell phones.  What is offered by cell phones?  Worldly stuff.  I wonder how many holy signs we miss?  Perhaps God desires for us to lift our heads up so we can, “watch this?” Today’s readings from Ezekiel and John include significant “watch this” moments.

     From Ezekiel, the prophet had a vision of the defeated Israelites; despite his warnings to turn back toward their covenant relationship with God, they did not, resulting in harsh consequences. The dry bones highlighted in the passage represent the defeated and spiritless people; yet God comes with words of hope through Ezekiel.  Note verse 12, which features God’s promise to restore and renew Israel; verse 14 speaks of a new spirit and life in the midst of death!  It’s as if God is saying to the people, “watch this” as he brings life from death.

     One of the ultimate “watch this” moments we find in scripture happens when Jesus restores Lazarus’ life. We are familiar with the story-Jesus was away when his friend Lazarus became ill.  When he took a turn for the worse, Jesus was sent for but arrives after his friend’s death.  Several conversations took place between Jesus, Martha and the disciples, including his statement “I am the resurrection and life,” which points to Jesus’ divinity (recall God identifying himself as “I am” during his encounter with Moses in 3rd chapter of Exodus.)  We eventually find Jesus standing in front of the tomb of Lazarus, crying out in a loud voice “Lazarus, come out!”  (It would have been great if just before Jesus spoke those words he turned to the crowd with a smile and said “watch this!”)

     What is your condition this day?  Do you feel like dry bones? Are you discouraged? The great news for us is that the same God who works so many of the “watch this” moments in scripture is the same God who offers us life, restoration and renewal today.  Thing is, we need to lift our heads from worldly concerns (depicted on cell phones, etc.) to look for those holy, “watch this moments.”  And may we as the church provide to those around us a spirit of “watch this” as we extend acts of healing and restoration through our ministries.  May it be so!