Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: John 11:25-26

March 31

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? Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” -John 11:25-26 (NIV)

Whosoever believes in Christ has been given a powerful new life that death can never conquer or diminish in any way. When God opens our spiritual eyes we can find the evidence of resurrection truth all around. As March turns to April, what appeared to be dead becomes alive. Green grass suddenly springs forth from barren mud. Butterflies flitter upwards from remains of dead caterpillars. Naked tree branches are clothed with fresh green buds of new life. When we realize the power of God our Creator and how wonderful his gifts to us really are, how can we not believe in his son Jesus who is both fully human and fully God? Surely someone who created life can certainly restore life.

However, do we actually believe Jesus claims in John 11 that "whoever lives by believing in me will never die."? Or are we like Martha in the scripture above who was confused and uncertain as to what Jesus was trying to say about the death of her brother Lazarus? Do we believe Jesus is the Messiah, like Martha, but are hesitant to believe he can actually raise the dead? Yet Martha's viewpoint changed drastically when she finally saw Jesus bring her dead brother back to life. The resurrection power of Christ is the center of the Christian faith. Yet the gift of life overcoming death only exists because of Christ's resurrection. Because he rose, we have certainty our sins are forgiven. Because Christ rose, he represents us to God. Because Jesus rose from the grave and defeated death, we can know with assurance that we can also be raised to new life.

Prayer: Creator God, Thank you for resurrection truth all around me in nature as Spring begins to emerge. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Only God transforms death to life!

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)