March 28, 2020
John 11:17-31 … “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live…’” vs. 25
Contrary to what we might expect, according to recent polling, most people believe in life after death, even those who self-identify as atheists or agnostics. It’s not surprising then that almost all funerals or memorial services make reference to the continuing life the newly departed now enjoys. For the most part that’s how it was in Jesus’ day, too! When her brother, Lazarus, died, Martha readily affirmed her belief in the resurrection on the last day. But Jesus offered her more! He tells her that trusting in him is more than a free pass to heavenly mansions, it means resurrected life now, long before we die. Our new life in Christ is “this-worldly” and can be enjoyed throughout our lives on this planet. It brings daily adventure as we revel in the joy and beauty of the now and search out all the delights the creation has to offer. In the course of that journey there’ll be love and affection and genuine kindness as we use our gifts and talents to serve one another. And then, as death draws near, as it surely will, we find comfort in the knowledge that the new life that we’ve been living continues beyond the grave. The best news is that all this is ours by grace, a gift from the Divine Presence who has loved us from the moment of our birth.
Thought for the Day: Why do I trust that what Jesus says is true?
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