Devotion 12/14, Life or Death?

[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?”
John 11:25

When Jesus said this to Martha, she assumed that when He said her brother would “live even though he dies” He meant that since Lazarus had placed his trust in Christ he would raise from the dead when Christ returned to take His church from this world at the last day (John 6:44). But Jesus was basically telling her, “I am God and I have the power of resurrection and life in My hand. I can raise Lazarus from the dead right now, and will do it.” And when you read the rest of this account, that is exactly what He did!

As with most of the things that Jesus said while here on earth, there is a profoundly deep meaning to His words. Yes He raised Lazarus back to life, but He was also looking forward to the time when all who believe in Christ will be raised out of their graves at His coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)! Even though a child of God may die physically, they will never die spiritually, that is why Christ could say, “he who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” When we have placed our faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, our eternity is set and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13-14). Nothing can ever take our salvation away from us, it is eternal!

This is the most important question you will ever answer. Do you really believe this? Do you believe that when you died with Christ in baptism through faith, that you died the most significant death and that your physical death will not separate you from Jesus? All of life, even all of eternity for you, hangs on this one question.

Almighty and Everlasting Father, I believe that because you have adopted me into your family, that death will never claim me. Help me live with new vigor and confidence knowing that Satan cannot have me and death cannot claim me because I am yours through Jesus, your Son and my Lord, risen from the dead. In the name of my precious Redeemer I pray. Amen.

Today’s bible verse is about a choice, life or death. This is why we are to share the gospel. It is God’s love letter to all, no matter their past, they can be born again in Christ. It’s our opportunity and commission to share God’s love so that others can choose between eternal damnation, death or eternal life, to live with Him in all His glory.
Lord, thank you for your love, mercies and grace.
I give thanks for my salvation and pray that all whose path I may cross will see your reflection in me by what I say and do. And I pray they choose Christ. All this I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.