Believing Beyond Death
It's easy to become engulfed by despair and lose sight of our eternal hope in Christ Jesus. But as followers of the Lord, we are called to anchor our souls in the unshakable promise of His Word. In John 11:25-26, we find a profound declaration from the lips of Jesus Himself, offering us a beacon of hope that transcends the temporal struggles of this world.
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'"
In these words, Jesus reveals His divine authority over life and death. He proclaims Himself as the very embodiment of resurrection and life. This assertion is not merely a theological concept but a living reality for all who trust Him. Through obedient faith in Christ, He grants us the assurance of eternal life, extending beyond the confines of our mortal existence.
Notice the active nature of Jesus' invitation. He doesn't simply offer a passive hope; He beckons us to believe in Him actively. It's not merely about acknowledging His existence but entrusting our entire being to Him. It's about surrendering our fears, doubts, and uncertainties at the foot of the cross and embracing the transformative power of His resurrection.
Yet, Jesus doesn't stop there. He poses a probing question to Martha that reverberates throughout the corridors of time: "Do you believe this?" This question isn't confined to Martha alone but to each of us. Do we genuinely believe in the promise of Christ's resurrection? Do we stake our hope, future, and lives on His words?
Our response to this question shapes the trajectory of our existence. It demands a personal and unwavering affirmation of faith. To believe in Jesus is to stake our entire being on the certainty of His promises. It's to trust in His redemptive work on the cross and embrace the hope of His resurrection.
Friends, let us cling to the eternal hope found in Christ Jesus. Let us anchor our souls in the unshakable foundation of His Word. For in Him, we see not just a fleeting hope but a hope that endures through the ages and transcends the grave and leads us into the boundless expanse of eternity.
