Living Faith

BELIEVE AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

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” (John 11:25-26 NIV).

Sorrow prevailed as the sisters mourned the loss of their brother. It happened so suddenly. They sent word for Jesus to come, but He did not come and Lazarus died. According to custom, his body was wrapped and prepared for immediate burial before a day passed. Even after four days the grief was heavy on the home that had previously been a place of laughter, wonderful meals, and frequent visits of Jesus and the disciples. 

When word came to the house that Jesus was coming their way, they were relieved, but wistful, that He hadn’t made it before the death of Lazarus. Martha ran to meet Jesus and lamented, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21 NIV). Jesus assured her that Lazarus would live again. Martha believed in the final resurrection and agreed that some day he would live, but Jesus had a different plan!

Jesus made a point, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25 NIV). The life He had come to give was present and available to those who believe. Whoever finds life through faith in Jesus has a promise of everlasting life! (See John 3:16.)

The life Jesus promised was greater than the grave. Those who believe in Him, “will never die!” That eternal promise reaches beyond the limits of this life and assures every believer a fullness of life eternal. This faith is a living faith, more powerful than death, granting the gift of hope, and life that is everlasting! 



Theme passage:
“Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again” (Revelation 3:3 NLT).