May 20
1 Sam 26:1-28:25 | PS 117:1-2 | Prov 15:22-23 | John 11:1-54
Jesus said in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." Do you believe that? Are these words that you have memorized in your head, or do you truly believe this? If so, do you move in your mission field with this reality in mind, taking opportunities to introduce others to the only Living Hope. If one thing that we should have learned these past few years, is that we are never sure when one will die. It could be unexpected, and it can hit those of all ages. Some are awkward when encountering others who have lost loved ones, not knowing the eternal destination of the departed individual. Many of my patients will say, "Can you pray for me", as they are struggling. Most come from traditional religious backgrounds, so what I do next often startles them. I say, okay, then move alongside them and begin praying with them. Awkward? Perhaps. But I believe that these are opportunities that we shouldn't miss. In those prayers, there is hopefully comfort. After the prayer, often there is the open door to share the gospel message with them, no matter what their background.
Martha and Mary were grieving, as would be expected, upon the death of their brother, Lazarus. But notice Martha's faith in John 11:21-27, "Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “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?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” Martha, in the midst of her grief, not knowing at this point that Jesus would actually raise her brother from the dead, knew where to place her trust and faith.
Billy Graham said about his future death, "I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God." Pastor Chuck Smith said a similar thing, "When I die, there will be many reports saying 'Pastor Chuck Smith died today at age 86 in Costa Mesa, California'..."When you hear about this....'don't believe it! I have simply changed addresses!'" That is peace. That is living life without fear. It is the confidence in their eternal destination, taking Jesus at His word. This is the peace that God desires for us. This is the peace that Jesus wants us to bring others. We can do so much more than share sentimental memories and a kind smile. We can share Jesus and the hope that is in Him to a grieving world. This may be awkward, but God has called us to awkward moments if it is for His kingdom.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: