Loose him & let him go - Monday, December 21 (Advent 2020)
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
John 11:44
It is sad, even overwhelming to see people from many tribes who are hurting, grieving, and suffering. It is heart-wrenching to hear stories of pain, grief, neglect, and abuse.
Jesus came into our world to bring peace, healing, and hope. At Lutheran Indian Ministries, with guidance from the Holy Spirit, we enter Native communities to bring that same peace, healing, and hope, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus to our brothers and sisters.
Our Creator, Our God, has heard the cries of pain from Native peoples. He sees their suffering. He says he heals the brokenhearted, and he binds their wounds.
It is humbling to see this happen. We are blessed to be a part of God’s work in the lives of those we serve and blessed to bring you alongside us. But long before we ever arrive in a community, God has been working in individual hearts.
Jesus gave life back to Lazarus. Lazarus came out of the tomb still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus said to those nearby, "Loose him and let him go." I see our team as members of that crowd gathering around Jesus. He has given life back to Native men and women, and now we get to help them remove their grave clothes, their trauma and shame, so they can live life with Jesus, free and at peace.
Whether we are going on to a reservation for a week or working alongside a homeless individual for years, we are doing God’s work. It is tiring. It is draining. But it will be well worth the time and effort when we are standing before the throne!
"It's me, it's me, it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” Help us to see Native peoples through your eyes, so we can help wherever we are needed. Lord, release our Native brothers and sisters from their grave clothes! In Jesus’ name, Amen.