Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick. John 11:4 says, “But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘*This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”
But Lazarus died! When Jesus arrived in the town of Bethany, Martha met him. In verse 21 Martha expressed her broken expectations. If only Jesus had come then her brother would not have died.
Jesus’ reply to Martha applies to us as well. Verse 25 says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
God the Father had set it up so that he would be glorified through Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. He continually sets up situations in our lives. They may seem hopeless or impossible for us because we don’t see our lives from God's perspective.
Our hope is to always be in the Lord. Our circumstances change constantly, but he never changes. His truth is eternal. He cannot lie. His Word will never return to him void.
Everyone that has put their faith in Jesus as their personal Savior, will one day be with him forever. He is our resurrection and life. Though we die on this earth, yet we will live forever in eternity. The moment we take our last breath here, we will instantly be in his presence forever. What an expectation that will never be broken!
Father, I am so grateful that you oversee, and are in control of every aspect of my life. I know that you are my Redeemer. Through your Word I have the blessed assurance of your gift of everlasting life. Help me share the good news of your free gift to others so that they also may believe in you.
Throughout this day: Take some time to thank God that the Christmas story doesn’t end with a birth, or even with a death, but with the ever living Lord who is the resurrection and life for all who trust in him.
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