Living as Saints in a Divided World
Sermon November 3, 2024
John 11:32-44
Title: Living as Saints in a Divided World
Pastor Fred Okello
Life constantly transports us to locations near and far, where we form links with friends, family, and community. We develop connections that have a tremendous impact on our life. I have a guy who moved to the United States for studies. His mother died less than a month into his education. He was faced with the terrible reality of attempting to cross the huge distance to return home and say farewell.
Last month, I lost a dear friend in Africa. I had promised him that I would see him in February of next year, but he died before I could keep my promise. In times like this, we feel a deep sorrow for being separated from those we love, wishing we could have done more or just been present in their final moments. In John 11, we feel the same pain as Martha and Mary. In their anguish, they asked Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32). How often do we cry out in frustration, wondering why God didn't act sooner or why we couldn't be there when it needed the most?
But on this All Saints' Day, we are reminded of something extraordinary: God's presence is never far away, even in the midst of grief. When Jesus came at Lazarus' tomb, he did not ignore Martha and Mary's sadness. He did not overlook their suffering. Instead, He participated in it. He cried with them before calling Lazarus out of the grave, displaying His power over death and offering us a glimpse of the hope we have in Him.
This story demonstrates what it means to live as saints—not as perfect people, but as people who testify to God's power in the midst of pain and adversity. The saints we celebrate today were typically ordinary men and women who, despite their doubts, grief, and losses, believed in God's promise of life and hope beyond despair. They are examples of those who, like Martha and Mary, believed that Jesus was the resurrection and life.
We also remember Brother Neil Smart, our newest saint, who passed away only a few days ago. Today, we keep his memories close and pray for strength for Diane and the family as they mourn this enormous loss. Neil blessed this church tremendously with his singing and music, which lifted our spirits and filled our sanctuary with worshipful tunes. His abilities were a true monument to his faith, and his music demonstrated what it means to serve God joyfully and lovingly.
As we reflect on these saints’ lives, we are called to live by the same promise. We are asked to be saints in our own time, to bring light and hope to a world filled with division and misery. This is especially important as we approach the November 5 election. Some of us have already voted, and others may be about to. Voting is one way we interact with the world around us and demonstrate the ideals of justice, mercy, and dignity that Christ expects us to maintain. Whether you've already voted or are about to vote, I encourage you to do it in prayer, seeking God's guidance. Voting is a form of stewardship, allowing us to select leaders that embody God's compassion and justice.
However, our calling as saints does not end with a ballot. We are called to bring Christ's hope into all aspects of our life. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He summons us from our tombs of fear, apathy, and separation. We are called to bring peace to our communities, to love our neighbors, and to reflect God's compassion in everything we do.
The saints teach us that we don't have to be spectacular to have an impact. Saints such as Francis of Assisi, Teresa of Avila, and Mother Teresa began with humble acts of love, prayer, and service, believing that God would use their devotion to bring healing to the world. Similarly, we are called to be loyal in the minor things, trusting that God can act through us.
In John 11, Jesus did not just resurrect Lazarus to demonstrate His power. He did it to demonstrate that death has no ultimate say in His life. Today, as we remember the saints, we rejoice in this reality. We are reminded that no matter how dark the earth appears, Christ's light shines brightly. Regardless of how divided our societies are, God's love unifies us. No matter how bad things become, there is always hope in Jesus.
So, today, let us be inspired by the saints who came before us and live like saints in our own day. Let us be the ones who provide hope to the bereaved, peace to the divided, and love to the brokenhearted. Let us believe, as the saints did, in the God who calls us out of the dead and into new life. In the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.