John 11:25

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die ~ John 11:25

 


Jesus was speaking to Mary, who in her grief, poured out her heart to Jesus, for her brother Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, had died. If Jesus had been here, Mary said, her brother would still be alive. How difficult that was for Jesus, for though He knew Lazarus would be raised by the power of God, this was a foresight of how others were going to grieve Him too. The Cross was ahead of Him and soon it would be His reality. He would hang upon that Cross, and He too would die. The promise though, is not only for himself, but for all who believe in Him – though they may physically die, they will live on forever, for His life would be an offering for all the lives of men and women everywhere, and He would rise up! He would willingly die on the Cross for the sins of all people, so that they would have eternity and resurrection fulfilled in them. Many people today are dying, more so than other diseases or infections of the body, such as heart attack or cancer. COVID-19 is a real killer, a real threat to human life. Many people are afraid, and a disturbed mental health is becoming a new reality. Fear is a natural warning system in our bodies…if I am afraid then I need to protect myself, or those around me. Fear can be a good defensive barrier from threats. It can also become something that enslaves us to inaction and defeat. “If only you had been here, Lord, we would not be dealing with…” The promise of God is that He is always with us and near to us, and His promise is that when we fear Him with awe and reverence, when our life belongs to Him, though you or I may die, we are ever safe in His presence. For He is always present with those of us who belong to Him. Grief, fear, anxiety…they are all real emotions. Don’t let them cripple you though, for Jesus will give you not only the strength to make it through your situation, but He leaves you with promises as well. He is the Resurrection and the Live, always and forever!  


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