“Do You Believe?”
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Categories: Moment With The Master
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
The resurrection of Christ is the centerpiece of Christianity. It is this significant event that separates Christianity from all other religions. It is the foundation of real hope. All religions deal with death, but none offer a promise like Jesus.
In the little village of Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus would demonstrate his incredible power to raise the dead. Before performing this great feat, Jesus made a bold claim. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” Then he followed with a question for Martha: “Do you believe this?”
If one has Jesus, he has life. This is accomplished in two ways. First, Jesus infuses spiritual life into to those who are dead in sin. (Ephesians 2:1) The sinner, once separated from God, is now reconciled Him. By the power of the gospel, Jesus offers victory over the guilt and dominion of sin. (Romans 8:1,11) Jesus then looks to the future and promises that if one trusts him, he will never die. (I Corinthians 15:23) After all of the storms of this life are over, the believer will live forever, all of the dreams realized, all of the hopes fulfilled.
It is by faith this blessing is offered. Christ is the object of such faith. He is the only one who can provide such a wonderful gift. Martha manifests her faith in Jesus. She calls him “Lord”, “the coming one”, “the Christ”, “the son of God”! Remarkably, she acknowledges him as the Deliverer of Israel, and the Savior of mankind!
Martha truly believed. Do you also believe? Do you trust Jesus enough to submit to his every commandment? Have you claimed Him as Lord of every phase of your life? If you should be forced to physically die for his cause, would you graciously accept your fate, fully assured of the reward?
Jesus has so much to give. Why not believe and live?
By George Slover
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