Jesus said to Martha, “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?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world.” John 11:25-27
Martha, like me, could see the truth of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. But had no clue about resurrection life. I mean her brother, Lazarus, was dead and in the tomb four days by this time. Grief and accusation filled her heart, “Where were you Jesus? If you had been here my brother would not have died.”
Jesus, in response to her sorrow, grief, and accusation said, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23, and Martha responded, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:24
That’s when Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Four or five days earlier Jesus had said, “Glory would come of Lazarus’ illness, not death”. Yet, Lazarus did die. And, so it seemed that all was lost. Resurrection and life is not an event to be visited in the future. (Though there will surely be a resurrection of the dead and judgement to eternal life.) Resurrection and life is a man. Jesus is the resurrection and the life!
That afternoon was a trial for Jesus. Surrounded by unbelief and hearts filled with grief, He walked with the Father, in faith and agreement. No one else did. No one else cried out, “Lazarus come forth.” I know I wouldn’t have. Yet, this was the last outstanding miracle before His crucifixion, and it drew the attention of many Jews, bringing them to faith.
The message in this: Resurrection life is far greater and far more powerful. It is without borders of time or explanation, then I have ever heard or seen. What might happen to bring the world to attention and faith? Could it be His church called forth from languishing in death? His church called forth in resurrection life, a witness to everyone, Jesus seen again in His church, alive, liberating, forgiving, translating, and transforming His bride.
I know two things:
1) Lazarus became such a witness, that he too was marked to be killed. People weren’t just coming to see Jesus now. They also wanted to see Lazarus.
2) His church will be resurrected in glory. Could it be…before His coming?
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday April 27, 7:00 pm: I have asked two, of our ACTS groups, to come and share their testimonies of their recent trips to illustrate what I want to have us look at in Jeremiah 33:7. I will share the context and let them fill in the content. I believe we will all be inspired to expect a return of all that has been lost. Message title: Turning Captivity into Resurrection Life!
Sunday May 1, 9:00 am: ACTS in Motion! We seem to be entering into a sovereign time of the Lord sending out laborers into His harvest. Co-laborers – Not only with Christ, but each other. Even as our Healing Ministries have begun to function as ONE, without regard to division, yet distinct in function and assignment. Now, the next wave has begun.
Sunday, 10:20 am: Nations Prayer – Join us, as we reign with Christ as kings and priests on earth. We are growing in our agreement and faith for nations and neighborhoods.
Sunday, 11:00 am: I will be sharing “What Does Resurrection Life Look Like?” It looks like a whole lot more than we have seen. Let’s peer into His word and see more than we have seen. We have sought to know the Passover Lamb and His sufferings. Now, it’s time to see the glories that followed!
