Reflections from October 27, 2010

Jesus received word that His dear friend Lazarus was very, very sick, and He made plans with His disciples to go to Bethany to visit him and his sisters, Mary and Martha. However, when He got to their home, after staying where He was for two days, He found out that Lazarus was already dead. But Jesus knew this as this was going to be an opportunity for Jesus to glorify God in the highest and for the Son of God to also be glorified.

Martha was very sad about her brother's death, and Jesus told them as recorded in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

Do you believe this? Simple words, but the most powerful usually are. Jesus lays out a simple choice by asking this question...Do you believe this? Either you do or you don't. There's nothing to debate, there's no gray area, it's all very black and white. Do you believe this?

Martha believed and Jesus said to open the tomb. After they did, Jesus called out to Lazarus, and then he walked out of his tomb, alive and amazed.

Jesus knew that this miracle would set forth the activities by the priests to have Him killed. They simply did not want to give up their position and power, and they knew that Jesus was doing just that. Jesus did all of this for the glory of God knowing how it will end; with His death and resurrection.

So, do you believe?

Blessings to all