I was recently reminded of an exchange out at the prison that I shared here a few years ago. In our study we were in Mark discussing the healing of Jairus' daughter. Casey, one of the inmates, was sharing his observations, and while he was talking he said this:
This recalls Jon D. Levenson’s explanation of how “resurrection” was understood among the ancient Hebrews. Anything that separated a person from unfettered connection with YHWH could be considered “death.” Hence, as your friend Casey suggests, anything which brings a person back into a wholesome relationship with God is a resurrection.
It occurs to me that even when a person is dying, a moment of inward connection with God can be resurrection. Similarly, those survivors who receive the grace of accepting the loved one’s death are resurrected.
__________
Jon D. Levenson, Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies, Harvard Divinity School – Resurrection and the Restoration of Israel: The Ultimate Victory of the God of Life (Yale UP, 2008).
Puts me in mind of Mary who, when Jesus finally arrived to see Lazarus,said what we always say when one of our beloveds has gone: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
This recalls Jon D. Levenson’s explanation of how “resurrection” was understood among the ancient Hebrews. Anything that separated a person from unfettered connection with YHWH could be considered “death.” Hence, as your friend Casey suggests, anything which brings a person back into a wholesome relationship with God is a resurrection.
It occurs to me that even when a person is dying, a moment of inward connection with God can be resurrection. Similarly, those survivors who receive the grace of accepting the loved one’s death are resurrected.
__________
Jon D. Levenson, Albert A. List Professor of Jewish Studies, Harvard Divinity School – Resurrection and the Restoration of Israel: The Ultimate Victory of the God of Life (Yale UP, 2008).
Puts me in mind of Mary who, when Jesus finally arrived to see Lazarus,said what we always say when one of our beloveds has gone: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."