“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” ~John 11:25- 26b
“Believe that you can go home. Believe you can float on air. Then click your heels three times. If you believe, then you’ll be there; ” These are just some of the words from the song “If You Believe,” that Glinda sings to Dorothy, in order to tell her how to use the silver shoes on her feet to return to Kansas, in the “Super Soul Musical,” The Wiz. This song tells us that the content of our belief is connected to our ability to obtain the things we want in life.
During a conversation He has with Martha, prior to His raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, Jesus illuminates this link between one’s measure of faith and the availability of new life. So when He makes the statement, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing in me will never die,” and then immediately asks Martha the question, “Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25-26b), Jesus affirms that new life and eternal life in Christ are not things you get when you die, but are what you receive if and when you believe that Jesus is who He says He is and believe that Jesus can do what He says He can do.
Lent is a time for reflecting on our own faith journeys as we journey with Christ to the cross at Calvary. So, even in the midst of our test and trails, let’s take time in this season to consider the content of our belief about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ so like Martha, we too can come to have a fuller faith in Him.
Prayer: Dear God, increase my faith, so that even in times of grief and suffering I can experience new life, new hope, and new joy in Jesus Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.
Faith is the key that unlocks the door to a new life in Christ and to eternal life with Him.
MIN. VALERIE ELLIS
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