Jesus Is...

John 11:1-37

"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26

In the first few chapters of our time in John, I spent a significant amount of intentional effort saying that Jesus isn't someone we turn to because He can do wonderful things for us. I made sure we all knew that believers still get sick and die. We still have the normal problems of life here on earth, while having the added benefit of being alienated from the world.

We see that truth rather clearly in the story of Lazarus. Lazarus knew Jesus. He really did. Sometimes within our current setting, we wonder if we really know Jesus; if our relationship is actually real or not. In Lazarus's case however, there was no ambiguity about their mutual connection. As his sisters sent word to Jesus, they described their brother as 'he whom you love'. So as we look at this unfold, there is no room to question whether or not Lazarus knew Christ.

In spite of this, he died anyway. It happens. Have you ever prayed hard for something, only for God to say no? Deathly ill, Lazarus's sisters sent word, directly to Jesus Himself. Still he perished. It can be difficult when God does that. We see here in the Bible the Son of Man - the God who can bend heaven and earth with but a word. It is tempting to think that being right with such a God would allow us the privilege of having a free pass through at least some of life's trials. Death comes, and came regardless.

If it were you, would you ask why? Do you suppose knowing why would be good enough? Although Christ didn't give a 50 verse monologue on why He let Lazarus die, in this case He did indicate that it was for the disciples benefit, and likely ours. They needed as do we, to see and to know something imperative about who He is and what we can count on in Him.

He is the life and the resurrection.

When we say that one shouldn't seek after Christ expecting Him to solve life's ills, that is not to say there are not benefits to knowing Him, or nothing we can count on by our association with Him. If you're hoping that Jesus will make you healthy and wealthy, I have no idea of what Jesus will do with that. Some people who turn to God do get healed. God also seems to bless others financially sometimes. I will NOT waste my time writing about that. If money is so important to us, then there are numerous financial advisors we can turn to for help.

Here in the life, death and new life of Lazarus, we find that which we can bank on as it lies at the core of what Christ came to do. He is life itself. He came that we too might have life in Him. Although we see death all around us, He is not a God of death. In fact it grieves Him.

I can, you can, and indeed WE can all bank on this in knowing Christ: That even though we die, we will live. As great as it that Lazarus was brought to life, I don't think the life He's ultimately referring to is merely longer life here on earth. It is not more of the same, but true life, abundant life, glorious life, a forever life spent in real relationship with Him. That excites me. You?