Eternal Hope in the Storm

Admittedly, we usually hear today’s words when we gather around a freshly dug graveside. The pastor speaks: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” (v25) However, these words are not meant for the dead but for the living. We need the story of Lazarus to bring hope to our weary lives, to experience the transformation that we long for most. In our text, Jesus finally arrives in Bethany some four days after Lazarus has died. When Martha comes out to meet Jesus, He comforts her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live…. Do you believe this?” Martha answered, “Yes, Lord; I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” Though this sister is neck-deep in grief and sorrow, she holds onto the firm hope that her brother will rise to eternal life – to full and complete transformation – on the last day. We carry Martha’s ultimate hope of resurrection and transformation into our storms of life too.