I am 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;" ~ John 11:25

Jesus was urgently summoned by Martha and Mary, Lazarus their brother was dead! Word had earlier been sent to Jesus informing Him of Lazarus' illness. When Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness will not end in death, but for Gods glory so that Gods Son may be glorified in it". After two days Jesus set out for Bethany and informed his disciples that, "Our friend Lazarus had fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up!" Jesus meant "sleep" as in death but the disciples understood it as natural sleep! So Jesus made it clear, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe." "But let's go to him."

Jesus had to contend with doubt and unbelief even before He set out for Bethany, and as if this was not enough, Martha and Mary both accused Him of not caring enough to come earlier. The sisters saw finality in their brother's death as it had been four days since he died and all their hope with him! Jesus was moved by all the emotion and mourning - He too wept! How much of His weeping was for Lazarus, his family and friends and how much for their lack of faith?! Did they not know who He was?

How many of us do the same. We know he is Christ, the Savior, Healer and Deliverer - yet when we're confronted with bad news, how easy it is to accuse God of not being there and not fulfilling His role like He should! How we grieve God when we react this way!

(Vs38) - "Take away the stone!" He orders - Jesus confronts death, comes face to face with its stench and finality - How many dead dreams and hopes do we have rotting in the caves of our hearts and minds? Confront them, take action and like Jesus instructed, "Remove the Stone!" "Oh, but the stench Lord?" Martha retorts! "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" Jesus asked. When they had removed the stone, Jesus called out in a loud voice, "Lazarus! Come Forth!"

You see when He speaks, His words are life and gives life and restores whatever is lifeless!

"The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." (Vs43).

When God singles you out and calls you by name, You Will Come Forth! Nothing can stop and keep you from fulfilling the plan that the Lord has for your life. Do you see death, despair and disillusionment around you? Know who you are in Christ and more importantly know who He is!

When Jesus told Martha that her brother would rise again, she believed it to be in the resurrection at the last day! But Jesus said, "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?"