John 11:25-26 NIV
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
How often do you think about dying? When you think about it, what are your internal struggles? In my line of work, I have the privilege of encountering some people who are at this crossroad in their lives. I have some who are ready because they believe through their faith in Jesus Christ and the life they have lived, death is the beginning of another Journey with the Lord. I also encounter many who are bitter, scared, regretful, and expressing I am not ready. Lastly, I have had a few encounters where individuals were faking their walk with Jesus by taking advantage of their status in the congregation they serve. As they approached death, they were consumed by guilt, remorse, fear and internal agony. I recalled one experience I had where an individual who was of a high status in their congregation could not be comforted because the people in his life that he had hurt and lied to were deceased; therefore, he was in great distress as he could not confess or ask for forgiveness. We all know that death will come to all of us. We also know that Galatians 6:7-8 reminds us, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Each of us will face God one day whether we claim his supremacy over our lives or not. The question is, will Jesus be your defender to obtain the eternal life that he promises to those who believe in him whether you are dead or alive when he returns? Believing in God is not about the knowledge of knowing him or being familiar with his commands. It's a matter of living life with and for God's glory through our gratitude that he has set us free from bondage. Is God Lord over all of you Not just part of you (John chapter 14 & 15)? When Jesus asked Martha, do you believe this? What if God ask you this question today? Are you ready to confidently answer God?
