John 11:25-27 (CEB)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes
in me will live, even though they die.
Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe
this?” She replied, “Yes, Lord, I
believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, the one who is coming into the
world.”
This dialogue between Jesus and his friend Martha
demonstrates at least two kinds of belief.
There is a theological difference in believing in Jesus and believing facts about
Jesus. I can believe a lot of different things concerning a particular
leader. But to believe in that leader
means to put my trust in him or her. It means that I want to align myself with
their ideals. Note that Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in
him, not to those who believe he is the Messiah. Satan believes Jesus is the Messiah. We
cannot have true faith in Jesus without living into what he asks of his
followers; to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength and to
love our neighbors as ourselves and to be his witnesses everywhere we go. To claim that our faith is personal and
private is to admit that we haven’t yet “gotten it.” We are to share the light that Jesus gives us,
not hoard or hide it from others. The
good news is that sharing the Good News is easier than we think because God
empowers us as we do it. When is the last time you shared the Good News with
someone else beyond the walls of the church?
Gracious God, help us to overcome our fear or embarrassment
of talking about your love and grace given us in Jesus Christ. Guide us to
people who need so much to hear the Good News that Christ offers to all who
would believe in him. We ask in His holy
name. Amen.
Have a Blessed Week!Paige
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