Here is the revelation that is shaping my life today- do you believe in Jesus? Then eternal life is a seed within this truth that will come to harvest at my death.
John 11:25-26 NLT
[25] Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. [26] Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this?”
Observation
Here is a beautiful, amazing, promise but one that is very difficult for many to believe. If it is true then it is the best news anyone has ever heard. This physical life is not it. We don’t say a few nice words and have a few memories of those who go before us and that is it. This physical life transitions into a new life, in a new realm, with a new body fit for its new place. It’s not the end and our memories are not all we have, we have a future together. If this is true it reshapes the way we face death here and now.
“Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” Can Jesus be any more clear? Life after death. If this is not true then can anything Jesus says or does be believed? Why would someone who does what Jesus does for us, lie in such a monumental way? It’s all an unbelievable scam or it’s all marvelous truth.
It follows that a God who creates us from love, to be loved, would want this love to have no end. It makes sense that he would want us with Him for all eternity, that’s what love wants, it never wants to be separated. So if love has the power to ensure I am loved forever, then why wouldn’t love do that. Restore the heavens and earth and give me a life with love, with my God, forever, in a place of no tears or pain, a place of his intent from the beginning, a restored place, with my new body, living in love forever. Again, amazing truth or a horrific cruel scam.
There is only one thing that love leaves undone, one question remains – “Do you believe this?” Love can’t, won’t force, or manipulate you into love’s presence forever. The choice remains till the end – “Do you believe this?”
Application
I choose to believe. I don’t have the evidence that forces my belief, that’s not a choice. I have an experience of love that leads me, with all my unbelief in my hands, to believe. And because love has spoken I am confident in my belief.
Response
Thank you that you loved me into life and that your love will lead me into new life eternal. Thank you that your love for me runs this deep. I can’t fathom it but I will live freely in it. I am a blessed man.
Meditation
Meditation truth: Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Consider:
If this is your truth does it shape your life now?
On what basis do you reject this truth?
JOURNEY DEEPER
