Do You Believe This?

As we reflect on the miracle of resurrection, we're reminded of a profound truth: life begins anew with the power of God. This isn't just a concept relegated to ancient texts or religious ceremonies. It's a transformative reality that can touch each of our lives today.

Consider the story of Lazarus (John 11), a dear friend of Jesus who had fallen ill. When word reached Jesus about Lazarus's condition, He didn't immediately rush to his side. Instead, He waited two days before making the journey. This delay wasn't due to indifference, but rather to showcase the glory of God in an undeniable way.

By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. In the cultural understanding of that time, the soul was believed to depart after three days, and decomposition would have clearly set in. There could be no mistaking this for a mere resuscitation - what was about to occur was nothing short of a miracle.

Martha, Lazarus's sister, met Jesus with a mixture of faith and disappointment. "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died," she said. But even in her grief, she clung to hope, adding, "But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."

Jesus's response to Martha is one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: "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."

This declaration isn't just about physical life and death. It's about the source of all life - Jesus Himself. He is the victory over sin, the conqueror of death, and the provider of eternal life. The key is belief in Him, not just in religious concepts or traditions, but in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah.

As the story unfolds, we see Jesus deeply moved by the grief of Mary, Martha, and those mourning Lazarus. The shortest verse in the Bible powerfully captures this moment: "Jesus wept." This reminds us that our God is not distant or unfeeling. He experiences our pain and shares in our sorrows.

Then comes the climactic moment. Jesus calls out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" And to the astonishment of all present, the man who had been dead for four days emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in his grave clothes.

This miraculous event foreshadows Jesus's own resurrection, which we celebrate as the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without the resurrection, as the Apostle Paul states, our preaching and faith would be in vain. But because Christ rose from the dead, we have hope - hope for today, hope for tomorrow, and hope for eternity.

The resurrection changes everything. It's not just a historical event or a personal miracle for Jesus or Lazarus. It's an cosmic invasion of the present evil age by the age to come - a time of restoration, covenant renewal, and forgiveness. Through the resurrection, the world becomes a totally different place, and human beings have the new possibility of becoming God's children.

The power of resurrection isn't limited to ancient stories. It's alive and active today. Consider Elliot and Owen, two brothers and relatives of a family in our congregation.  Both brothers came faith in Christ and months of prayer by our church. Their decision to follow Jesus is a modern-day resurrection story - a movement from spiritual death to new life in Christ. Their transformation is a cause for celebration, not just for them, but for all who understand the significance of new life in Christ.

As we ponder these truths, we're invited to respond. For some, it may mean making a first-time decision to follow Christ. For others, it might involve rededicating their lives to living out their faith more fully. And for those who are unsure or skeptical, the invitation is simply to come, observe, and see how Jesus is alive and changing lives today.

The resurrection proves that with Jesus, life truly begins. It's not just about an afterlife or future hope - it's about a new quality of life that starts the moment we put our faith in Him. This life is characterized by freedom from fear, oppression, and the burden of sin. It's a life filled with purpose, peace, and the presence of God.

This truth demands a response from each of us. Just as Jesus asked Martha, "Do you believe this?", we must answer that question for ourselves. It's not enough to simply attend church or go through religious motions. We must examine our hearts and consider whether we truly believe in the resurrection power of Jesus, and whether our lives reflect that belief.

For those who have never accepted Christ, understanding that He is the source of life can be transformative. A life with Jesus is a life of peace, love, grace, and compassion. It's a life without fear or oppression. It's a life that begins anew with Him.

Even for those who have believed for years, there may be a need to recommit and rededicate our lives to living out our faith in a visible, impactful way. The resurrection isn't just something we believe in our minds - it should change how we live, love, and interact with the world around us.

As we go forward, may we carry the power of resurrection with us. May we live in a way that demonstrates our belief in this transformative truth. And may we be ready to share this hope with others, inviting them to experience the new life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

In a world often marked by darkness and despair, the message of resurrection shines as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that no situation is beyond God's power to transform, no life is beyond His ability to renew. As we embrace this truth, may we become living testimonies to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, bringing light and life to the world around us.