He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. – John 11:25
The focus of the introductory chapter of the FtFtL program is entering into the process of Life in Christ. We reflect on the possibility of change in our lives, and hear the Lord’s words: “He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
We make some specific commitments that help us to live into this reality, and reflect on some questions that focus our thoughts on those things that seem to block us from experiencing the fullness of that promise of life. One of the most vivid images of this promise of the Lord is his calling forth of Lazarus from the tomb, enabling us to sing as we do on Lazarus Saturday: “Rejoice, rejoice, O Bethany!”
Rejoice, rejoice, O Bethany! // On this day God came to thee;
And in Him the dead are made alive // As it is right for He is the Life. …To Thee, O Lord of creation, // We kneel down in reverence profound;
For all we who are dead in sin // In Thee, O Jesus, are made alive.