Who is Jesus? The Resurrection and the Life

Verses:

'Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; '

John 11:25

'O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? '

Psalms 74:1

Devotional:

Have you ever been so desperate in prayer and wondered, “God, where are You? When will You answer? When will You show up?" Well, if so, you are in familiar territory with anyone who’s walked closely with God. There’s even a chapter in the Bible dedicated to this. Psalm 74 poses this question, “Where are you God?” The answer is: God is closer than you can imagine!

In John 11, Jesus is sent a message from some close friends, Mary and Martha. Their brother Lazarus was near death, and he needed Jesus to show up ASAP! When Jesus hears of the family emergency, He actually takes two extra days before heading their way. By the time Jesus gets there it was too late; Lazarus was dead.

Everyone, including Mary and Martha were brokenhearted. They said to Jesus, “If You’d been here sooner, our brother wouldn’t have died.” Which is a nice way of saying, "Where were You when we needed You? You’re too late!" Jesus responded to Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” Little did everyone know, in His absence, Jesus was closer than they could imagine and He would be glorified in this. He raises Lazarus back to life and if Jesus had been there sooner, He wouldn't have been able to perform this resurrection miracle which was also a prelude to conquering death once and for all with His own resurrection!

One of the most famous paintings of all time is Michealangelo’s The Creation of Man. In this painting, God is portrayed coming down from heaven with all His glory and the angels. Adam is reaching out to God with a lazy looking arm; it looks like he’s barely trying. Point being, you are not the one pursuing God, God has been pursing you. He offers you everlasting life if you choose to believe.

Reflect:
What’s your greatest disappointment in life? Do you struggle to trust God when your prayers aren’t answered? When was the last time God showed up in a surprising way?

Respond:
How can you help someone who is struggling or hurting this week?

Pray:
God, I’m in desperately in need of your grace. Help me to see you at work in my life, especially when I’m waiting on You or when I'm hurting. I know You have power over life and death and Your time and in Your way is always perfect. Help me trust You more today in Jesus' name, amen.