“I am the resurrection and life” is among the various “I ams” that Jesus Christ declared (John 11:25). The context of this declaration was the illness and death of his friend, Lazarus. Jesus reintroduced Himself to Martha and brought hope in a very painful context. He is the one who brings a new beginning, vitality in life, and meaning in meaningless situations.
By bringing Lazarus back to life, Jesus did not suspend the natural order but refuted the finality of death. This miracle is a preview of what will eventually be a reality for those who have died in the Lord when we meet them again in heaven. Mourning came knocking on Martha’s door as it does to all of us. When we fixate on the loss, we can fail to see Jesus Christ’s ability to intervene in our situation in the here and now. We still believe that He’s the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, but struggle with seeing how He is present in our here and now. Jesus’ power of resurrection is not only for the future but is also available in the now. Jesus can intervene in that situation even now.
Psychologists tell us that the experience of death is not just physical dying, but any significant loss that goes beyond where we are in control. In the same vein, the bible encourages us to “die daily to the flesh”; we are, therefore, dying daily in our life. Thankfully, God’s grace is readily available to us in the death of everything. Resurrection necessitates first a dying. Death fills us with fear because it means letting go, giving up security and safety, and saying goodbye to the familiar.
Application
Are you experiencing desperation, disappointment, pain, or hopelessness? Have you created a false image of yourself to fit a particular family, social group, culture, or church? Remember that God’s grace and resurrection power is as close to you as the breath you are breathing now.
Prayer
Dear God, may You intervene in my situation (name your situation) and breathe Your resurrection power. Amen.
