Those Who Believe in Me…

Unbind Me

Read John 11:1-45

Jesus’ humanity is apparent in this narrative. Here is a greatly disturbed man convincing himself of God’s providence as he bears guilt and grieves the loss of his close friend: “I thank you for having heard me. I knew you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here so that they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:42). Or so that I may believe, I imagine Jesus thinking.

I imaged Jesus in sorrowful hues, tearfully imploring his friend to come out, while the crowd bears down on his shoulders. Perhaps things got too real. Did he feel the creeping chills of his own fate while standing at the mouth of the tomb? Did he feel responsible?

Jesus seems bound by the weight of his divinity and the demands of his ministry. “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you”(John 11:8). “Lord if you had been there, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). “Could not this man who opened the blind man’s eyes, have done something to keep Lazarus from dying?” (John 11:37). I wonder if as Jesus exclaims, “Unbind him, and let him go,” he thinks to himself, “Who will unbind me?”

No matter our vocation, we can find comfort that even Jesus felt overwhelmed by the gravity of his call. When we stumble under this great weight, God strains and weeps with us, but also longs for us to be set free from the pressure. God accompanies us with open hands, ready to unbind us as we learn to lean in confidence on God’s provision. We’ve got to be unbound in order to release others from that which keeps us in spiritual death—that which obscures and steals abundant life.
–Lauren Wright Pittman

Your Gift Empowers Us to Be the Church!

During this COVID-19 pandemic, your church is working hard to engage in creative and innovative mission and ministry while we cannot be physically together. The pastors are working overtime to reach out to all our church family through daily prayer conferences, daily online newsletters (blogs), phone calls and new worship formats. This Sunday we launched our first ever Drive-In Worship! Your contribution makes this possible!

There are several ways you can share. You can give online through our website or mail your contribution to Hood MCC, P.O. Box 982, Dunn, NC 28335. We have also installed a new locking mailbox outside of the church. You may deposit your gift into the mailbox at church and it is only accesible with a key. What you give today empowers what we can do together tomorrow!

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COVID-19 Resources

• Harnett Health – 910-893-7550
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• NC COVID-19 Information: Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 or Text COVIDNC to 898211
• CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
• COVID-19 Worldwide Data with Interactive Map

COVID-19 Testing: Only those who meet the following criteria should ask their doctor or local health department about being testing for COVID-19 through the NCSLPH: 

1. Have fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case within the past 14 days; OR
2. Have fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and a negative rapid flu test

If you meet these criteria and have been unable to get tested by your doctor, please call Harnett Health at 910-893-7550.

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