Image from Crossroads Initiative
Why this feast is special
July 29, 2021 will be the first time all three siblings of the house of Bethany are being celebrated together.
“In the household of Bethany, the Lord Jesus experienced the family spirit and friendship of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and for this reason the Gospel of John states that he loved them,” it said. “Martha generously offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the one who humiliated death.”
Celebrate your own siblings
- Send an affirmation text to your sibling(s), thanking them for the gifts they bring to the family or how they’ve influenced you to be the person you are today
- Start planning a siblings-only trip sometime in the next year
- Say a prayer for your sibling(s)
(If you don’t have any siblings, this can also be applied to your closest friends or family members that you consider to be as close as a brother or sister.)
Photo by Chayene Rafaela on Unsplash
Photo by tabitha turner on Unsplash
Be hospitable like Martha
Make dinner for someone you think could really use it or who you’d love to bless. (Or send a food delivery gift card)Plan to have some people over at your place for fellowship sometime soon (or if that isn’t possible, plan a zoom hang!)
Sit with Jesus like Mary of Bethany
Spend some time in silence with Jesus.
Read scripture.
Meditate.
Set a timer for 30 mins of uninterrupted time. (Even better if you are able to get a full Holy Hour in!)
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
Rise up like Lazarus
Jesus commanded Lazarus to rise up from his grave. It’s a command for each of us: what are the dead parts inside of us that need to rise up like Lazarus?
What's something you’ve always loved doing, but haven’t made time for lately? Make a plan to do something you love today or in the near future.
Is there a dream God has placed on your heart? Check-in with yourself: is God calling you to let this dream go, or does He want to breathe new life into it?