Do you believe this?

This is a very simple question that requires an equally simple answer: ‘Yes’ or ‘no’. The context is Jesus’ conversation with a grieving Martha. Together with her sister Mary, Martha had just buried Lazarus, their brother. 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

For Bible-readers the story about the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead is well known, and I believe John chose to include this incident because it confirms that:

1. God is able to raise people from death to life.
2. God did this through Jesus when Lazarus rose from the dead.
3. God did this as a prophetic action pointing towards the resurrection of Jesus.
4. In turn, Jesus’ resurrection points towards the resurrection of all believers in Him.
5. The resurrection in Him takes place already in this life, and when we pass the threshold of death.

As for all born again believers, for me this means that I have risen to life in (1) and with (2) Him already in this life. The attribute of the ‘I am’ as the resurrection and life is therefore also the attribute of his followers. We are in this world as risen people. Risen people represent life, future and hope and want to share this with everyone who wants to hear; and with gratitude and praise we can sing: “You raise me up to more than I can be!”

‘Manna’ for today

Because he rose, I am risen!

-------------------------------------

* Bramante Studio

(1) Ephesians 1:13-2:10

(2) Colossians 3:1-4