In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our series titled "Good Grief," led by Pastor Zach Killey. The focus of today's discussion is on the themes of mourning, loss, lament, and the various challenges that life presents us. Zach dives deep into the well-known biblical story of Lazarus, found in John 11:1-44, to explore how we can navigate our grief and understand God's role in our suffering.

Zach begins by reading the passage, setting the stage for the story of Lazarus, who falls ill and ultimately dies. He highlights the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly the reactions of Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary, who express their grief and frustration to Jesus, questioning why he did not arrive in time to save their brother. This moment serves as a powerful entry point for discussing our own feelings of anger and disappointment when faced with loss.

Throughout the episode, Zach emphasizes three key takeaways from the story:

God's Foreknowledge: Zach explains that God knows everything before it happens and is never caught off guard by our suffering. This realization can evoke complex emotions, including anger and relief. While it may be frustrating to acknowledge that God knew about our pain beforehand, it can also bring comfort to know that He sees the bigger picture and is working for our good, even when we cannot understand it.

God Weeps with Us: In a poignant moment, Zach reflects on the significance of Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb. He points out that this act of empathy reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. Instead, He shares in our grief and understands our pain. Zach encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, including sadness and sorrow, and to bring those feelings to God, who desires a genuine relationship with us.

The Greater Miracle: Finally, Zach addresses the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, noting that while it is a profound event, it ultimately points to a greater truth: the promise of eternal life through Jesus. He acknowledges the reality that not all prayers for miracles are answered in the way we hope, but reassures listeners that the greatest miracle—Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection—offers us hope and redemption.

As the episode concludes, Zach encourages listeners to recognize that life is filled with hardships, but we have a God who understands our struggles and walks alongside us in our grief. He invites everyone to trust in God's plan, to love those around them, and to find solace in the promise of eternal life.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:14 - Series Overview: Good Grief
00:00:43 - Reading the Story of Lazarus
00:01:36 - God's Foreknowledge of Grief
00:07:02 - Emotions: Anger and Relief
00:10:40 - God Weeps with Us
00:12:27 - Understanding Jesus' Tears
00:15:34 - The Challenge of Miracles
00:19:10 - The Greater Miracle: Salvation
00:22:03 - Conclusion: Hope in Grief
00:24:30 - Closing Prayer
00:26:00 - Outro and Call to Action