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God's Words For US
by Cecelia Lester
The Resurrection and the Life
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.
Do you believe this?’” John 11:26-27 (NIV)
Jesus is in Lazarus’ home. Lazarus has died; his sisters are in mourning. The Master comforts the sisters.
The Lord says something to Martha that she doesn't fully understand. Her brother will rise again. She knows Lazarus will rise ‘in the resurrection at the last day.’
Jesus then explains that He Himself is that resurrection. He further states that any who believe in Him will live, although that person will die a physical death. He
explains that ‘whoever lives and believes in Him will never die.’
What does this mean to us who live in this 21Century world? I see several thoughts in this passage:
“He who believes in me”- Belief carries with it the factors of trust and faith.
“. . . will live,”-Those who believe will become spiritual beings. The will live with God in heaven.
“. . . even though he dies;” The person, in order to gain the resurrected body suitable for heaven, must go through a separation of his or her physical body.
“. . . and whoever lives and believes in me” Anyone who abides in Christ. All who live for Him and trust Him.
“. . . will never die.” Those who live for Jesus will never die. The will live with God forever.
Jesus then asks a question- one that is as pertinent to us as it was in the first Century, “Do you believe this?” I hear this passage read at funerals and memorial services. After the scripture is read, the pastor asks those in attendance the same question. As I read this inquiry, I see the emphasis can go on three different words. “Do you believe this?” This reading points to us as individuals, and makes this personal. “Do you believe this?” An interpretation of the action we chose to take or what we do with the information. “Do you believe this?” The meaning here seems to direct us to the facts of who Jesus is. As I understand the question, we have to deal with each meaning before we can experience spiritual growth. What do you think?
The Alpha and The Omega
“‘Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me,
and I will give to everyone according to what he has done
. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the Last.”’
Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)
Jesus Christ tells His children that:
●He is coming soon to right the wrongs of the world.
●He will reward those who wait for Him according to their faith and holiness.
●He has the authority to do these things because He is the author and finisher of the faith.
What does this mean for us who live in the 21Century? Jesus is coming again to rescue His followers and to establish His kingdom on Earth. He will judge and reward those who have proven faithful.
Jesus came to earth to teach us about God. He willingly gave His life to pardon us from sin. Christ will return to live with us, forever.
Dear Jesus:
You came to sojourn with us on earth two thousand years ago, for this we thank You. You set aside Your will for that of the Father’s, for this we are most appreciative. You promised us You would return to earth and live with us forever. For these deeds, we give humble thanks. In Your name, we pray. AMEN
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Cecelia Lester has been serious about her writing for over two decades..
She composes Christian essays and posts them to her blog quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/
She has served in a faith-based organization, Grace In Action by writing two newsletters and searching for possible grants.
In July 2017, she published her first book, 'Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy.'
She and her husband of 54 years live in central Indiana. They have one grown son.
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