DO YOU BELIEVE?

DO YOU BELIEVE?
December 14, 2017

Prayer: Oh, Lord, I want to honor You in all I choose today. I need You to lead me. Thank You. Amen.

Scripture: Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?” John 11:25 NLT

When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary following Lazarus’ burial, emotions were running high. Grief was in full swing and people were given over to the normal responses when a loved one dies. When Jesus arrived, they saw a visiting ‘friend’ come to grieve loss like the rest were doing. Many were judgmental and critical that Jesus did not arrive earlier and ‘perform’ for them a healing like so many others He had done. But, in fact, He came late to precisely demonstrate the Power that only God has– the power over death and life.

In His exchange with the elder sister, He probed out of her a statement of faith held by all who believe in God and seek to be faithful–resurrection at the last days. Now Jesus was to bring home the point He had been preaching and teaching for three years! Martha– those believing in Me have eternal life NOW! And in their new creation they will never perish. Then to close– Do you believe this Martha??

I often wonder what I might say if someone asked me ‘do you believe Jesus is God’ and that to obey Him is to obey God. Do you believe God is the all powerful and the only source of righteousness? I would hope I would say yes. But the next question is the one I might worry about. Do your actions reveal that you believe this? Do your priorities suggest to other observers that you believe this? Are there any priorities in your life ahead of God’s priorities? Why?

Lord, help us all to live today in ways that confirm our faith in you as Savior, Lord, King, God over all the universe for all time

“Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united with the Holy Spirit and bind yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT