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?” John 11:25-26 NKJV
Throughout life, we face pivotal questions that mold who we become. For example, who will I pick for my friends? Will I go to college? If so, what school will I choose? What career will I pursue? Will I marry? Will we have children? Some of life's questions practically answer themselves, yet others are more challenging. However, if you imagine each question as a fork in the road, each path leads to an endless number of divisions. Yet, if we turn and look back on the way we've come, we may retrace how we got here from the beginning.
Jesus asks Martha a question that would forever change her life profoundly: "Do you believe this?” Before he raises her brother Lazarus from the dead, he wants Mary to understand that Jesus had come to conquer death and offers her something more significant than the miracle about to happen. There is no procrastination in Martha's answer. She doesn't reply, "I'm not sure," or "Can I get back to you with an answer?" No, she responds confidently, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (v. 27) She is certain beyond doubt that Jesus will not only raise her brother but, more significantly, in her accepting who Christ is; she will one day be joined with Him in life eternal.
Christ continues to ask that same question to everyone who hears the good news. "Do you believe this?” Unlike Martha, so often, we find reasons to doubt or procrastinate. We know the decision we should make. We understand what is at stake, but we're unwilling to commit. Sadly, by not making a decision, they've made a decision. Unless we accept Him, we continue to live in sin, rejecting the promise.
Looking back over the path of our lives, to the day we were asked the question, what was our answer? How has it made a difference in your life? If you've yet to answer the question, I urge you to answer as Martha, "Yes, Lord, I believe."
Heavenly Father of grace and glory, we thank you for sending your Son Jesus to conquer death and give us eternal hope of life. We pray for those who haven't yet answered the question that they'll affirm their belief in you. For those who have accepted, let us remember that day when our lives were forever changed. Grant us boldness. I'm sharing the good news of salvation with those yet to hear the message. We pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
I am taking a brief hiatus beginning Monday, September 19. The daily devotion will resume when I return on Monday, September 26.
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