Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” --John 11:25-26
Context: Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, has died. Jesus has arrived, only to have Martha tell him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Following Jesus' statement, Martha affirms her belief, albeit in haste, and runs off to fetch her sister, telling Mary the Teacher "is asking for her." (That bit of Scripture seems to be missing.)
This brief passage, more than any other, speaks to the heart of who I am-- who we are as Christians. At least I think so.
Jesus offers us the gift of eternal life. Life beyond death. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through the Son. This is what we profess. This is what I profess. Whatever path we walk, ultimately, the path to life eternal passes through the Cross.
Or, to put it succinctly, Jesus Saves.
Do we believe this? Do we live our lives with an eternal focus?
When we awake each day, do we remind ourselves of the hope and promise the Christ gave when he died on the Cross?
As we go through the day, as we see others whose lives are challenged by poverty or ill health, do they look at us and see the living promise-- in our smile, in our gentle touch or patient ear?
Do they believe us?
If we profess eternity is ours, do we keep this to ourselves, like some guarded secret? or do we live our lives proclaiming mercy and salvation, hope and promise-- not just with our lips, but with our very lives?
What does a life bounded by eternity look like?
I believe a life that dwells securely and comfortably in the eternal arms of the Lord begins not at death, but today, here-- now.
We are the Hands and Feet of Jesus until he returns to this broken place, to heal once and for all, to usher in the new heaven and the new earth and reign for all eternity in peace, faith, hope and love.
The greatest of these is always, always love.
If I speak in tongues of angels-- but have not love-- I am nothing.
Do you believe this?
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