The Resurrection And The Life

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

John 11:25

Life is fragile. We know this from our own experience. We encounter various bits of news that speak of those whose life abruptly ends, often in a completely unanticipated way. Christ’s friend Lazarus had died after a brief illness. Christ had not rushed to his side when He heard the news of his illness. By the time He did arrive at the home, Lazarus had been dead for four days. He encountered Martha, Lazarus’s sister first. She said, ‘Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.’ Christ responded, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ She affirmed her belief that he would rise at the last day. Christ responded with the words of our text. This is the definitive statement for every believer regarding Christ’s centrality for life, for death, and for eternity. In a few minutes, He would raise Lazarus from the dead as the climax of His public ministry according to John. For the moment, He is establishing in the minds of some of His most faithful followers that He is the hope of His people for life, for death, and for eternity. In a broad statement it covers all the circumstances we may encounter. It gives us hope for life, the ability to face death without fear, and the anticipation of eternity with Him. He is the Great Hope of all who believe. He has done all things well.

Great God of Wonders,
we rejoice that You are the resurrection and the life.
We depend upon You completely,
for all these things.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning