Living with resurrection power

Isaiah 22-24; John 10-11

HIGHLIGHT

John 11:25–26 (ESV): 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

EXPLAIN

This startling statement by Jesus came in the amazing, peculiar, troubling story of Lazarus’ death. When Lazarus got sick, his sisters sent Jesus word, but Jesus delayed going to him or speaking a word of healing.

Lazarus died and was four days in the tomb when Jesus finally showed up. Martha greeted him, lamenting that Jesus had not been there to heal her brother. Jesus responded, saying that Lazarus would live again. Martha reaffirmed her belief in the coming resurrection. But Jesus made it present tense: I AM the resurrection.

APPLY

This is the startling hope and reality Jesus offers all who put their faith in him. He gives us resurrection power today!

This is the power and life for which Paul counted everything as dross so that he might know Christ.

The question is: do we live in the reality of this resurrection power? Is his life-creating power creating new life in us, or are we still living in the death of our past sinful life? Is his power in us giving life to others, or are we barren fig trees, only full of leaves?

Do we truly believe Jesus to be the resurrection and the life?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your life-creating power in me. Make me ever new and full of life for you and may I give that life to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leave a Reply