‘Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”’ John 11:25-26 NIV
Lazarus was dead. Mary and Martha had sent word to Jesus days before their brother’s illness. They’d heard nothing and Lazarus had died. Four days he’d been in the tomb when Jesus appeared. Martha goes and confronts Jesus. Jesus was four days too late, if Jesus had chosen to come, Lazarus would not have died. Her heart was breaking by the belief that Jesus was God, He had the power to heal Lazarus, He had the power to stop death, yet for her family, He hadn’t turned up on time, it was too late. Jesus then speaks the most powerful words to Martha, ‘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.’ But it is this phrase that penetrates my heart as it does Martha’s ‘Do you believe this?’
Do you believe this?
Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
Do you believe that it’s for you?
Do you believe that Jesus gives life?
Do you believe that Jesus takes the broken, the wounded, the sinful, and brings resurrection life?
Do you believe in the resurrection power of Jesus?
Do you believe this?
Martha knows in her heart she believes in Jesus, ‘Yes Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.’ In her pain, she still chooses to believe in Him.
I’m challenged by Martha, amid her disappointment, ‘Jesus you didn’t turn up in time’ she still chose to turn to God and declare that Jesus is Christ the Son of God. She didn’t yet know within moments He would by His resurrection power rise her brother from the dead. But the heart of Martha was revealed in the darkest moment, she still chose Jesus. Martha worshipped Him for who He was, surrendered to His ways.
We need to consider, do we worship and acknowledge Him for gain? Or do we worship Him for who He is? Jesus Christ Son of God, Saviour of the World.
Thank You Father for sending Jesus Your Son to be the Saviour of the world. Thank You that in my darkest moment, I can believe You. Help my unbelief I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.