John 11:25. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live.
Ah Lord eh! These days I’m not anxious to open e-mails from friends that I don’t normally correspond with, because they always seem to bring negative news. I got one such e-mail this morning from an old friend from university days, about the passing of another old friend from back then. Her name was Maxine Roberts. I haven’t seen her since back then or heard much about her, but it appears she carved a very good path for herself in the Jamaican Diplomatic Service as an Ambassador for her country. Now that doesn’t surprise me because I remember her as a bright and lively young lady, some fifty odd years ago. May you rest in peace Maxine. And my condolences to your family.
But it is a tad difficult to hear of the passing of people you haven’t interacted with for a long time, since it then gets you to thinking about the times you shared, be they good or bad, and wondering if they ever remembered those same times before they moved on to the other life. And the sad part is that many of our friends pass on with negative thoughts about us, thoughts that we had hopes of one day fixing, but never got around to. And then suddenly, it’s too late. But, as they say, that’s life!
And it doesn’t make sense worrying about it, but it should make us aware of how short life is, and the suddenness with which it can end, therefore energizing us to make whatever amends we need to make with our surviving friends and family as soon as possible. We all know that we came from the dust of the earth and that someday that’s where our bodies will return, but fathoming death, especially a sudden and unexpected one, is still hard for the human nature to accept. But accept it we must, if we want to live out our own lives in a positive and godly manner.
And as believers in Christ Jesus, it is easier for us to accomplish than for unbelievers. That’s because we have the ever-faithful promise of salvation and eternal life through belief in Christ. Jesus Himself said it to Martha when He came back to Bethany after her brother Lazarus’ death. Martha though, wasn’t happy with Jesus’ late arrival and said to Him. ‘Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.’ (John 11:21-22)
Now that is what you call strong faith! And some of you might say that’s because Jesus was very friendly with her family. But Jesus was friendly with a lot of other people, including His own family, who didn’t believe in Him. The Good Book continues: ‘Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:23-26)
And that’s the very same question that Jesus is asking many of us today? Do we truly believe in Him and the power He has to grant eternal life? Now Martha didn’t have the benefit of the scriptures we currently have, nor of yet seeing Christ crucified and risen, but her answer was quick and unequivocal. ‘She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’ (John 11:27) How many of us would answer Jesus’ question so plainly and quickly today eh? I really don’t know nuh, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be sufficient to make a significant difference in our current evil and ungodly world.
And there are so many examples of Jesus trying to instill into us the major benefit of believing in him, but we just won’t listen. Let’s see if I can drum up a few more instances of Jesus talking about the importance of believing in Him to receive eternal life. And we don’t have to look very far to find this scriptural gem. It’s one we all know and like to quote, but don’t seem to really believe since we still don’t acknowledge Jesus as the resurrection and the life. Jesus said it loud and clear: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16)
Now my brethren, tell me how much clearer can that get eh? It’s simple: if you don’t believe in Jesus, you are not going receive eternal life, instead you will perish! And are you willing to take the chance that Jesus is wrong? For your sake I hope not. Then there was the Samaritan woman who came to the well to draw water and engaged Jesus in conversation. That alone was itself a poignant and unnatural moment for Jews and Samaritans, though related, didn’t mix, in fact detested each other as the latter had intermarried with Gentiles during the Assyrian captivity. (2 Kin. 17:24-41)
And as the woman so knowingly pointed out when Jesus asked her for a drink of water. She said to Him: ‘How is it that thou being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ (John 4:9-10) The woman then proceeded to question Jesus’ ability to draw water from the well.
But ‘Jesus answered and said unto her. Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be like a well (fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life.’ (John 4:13-14) And although the woman didn’t fully understand what Jesus was talking about, she was wise enough, wiser than many of us today, to understand the importance of His words, Therefore, she ‘saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.’ (John 4:15)
Another instance where there was much less knowledge of Jesus than we have, but greater trust and faith! And just in case you won’t believe Jesus, then let’s see if you’ll believe John the Baptist when he says: ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him.’ (John 3:36) Yes friends, the anger of God remains on those who don’t believe in His Son Jesus Christ.
Now, for those of us who believe, and are doing our best to convince others, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings, which have been generously bestowed on us by God, so that we can do His earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having activated those blessings, let’s go out now and use them generously on Christ’s behalf! Much LOVE!
…only believe…that’s all Christ is asking…one has nothing to lose…and so much to gain…if one only believes…
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