Trusting the Resurrection - Day 2
Scripture: John 11:20-27, Mark 9:23-25
John 11:20-27
20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.”
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, Martha?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.”
Mark 9:23-25
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!”
Today we explore the profound truth that true belief in Jesus Christ extends far beyond simply ticking the boxes of doctrinal agreement. It's not merely an intellectual assent, like a passenger on a train who knows the destination but remains passively seated. Rather, true belief is an active, dynamic engagement – a vibrant, living relationship that permeates every fiber of our being. True belief, as explored in John 11, is a dynamic, life-transforming relationship with Jesus. Mary, upon encountering Jesus, demonstrates a deeper level of faith. Though initially overcome with grief, she falls at His feet, acknowledging His authority and seeking His comfort. This act, echoing the father's plea in Mark 9:23-25, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24 NKJV), captures the essence of true faith. It recognizes the struggle between belief and doubt, acknowledging our limitations and humbly relying on God's grace.
The path of faith is not without its challenges. Doubt, a subtle yet insidious foe, can creep in, fueled by fear, uncertainty, and unanswered questions. The relentless pace of life, with its constant distractions and demands, can easily pull us away from the quiet space needed to cultivate a deep relationship with God. And perhaps the most insidious obstacle is our own pride, our tendency to rely on our own strength and understanding rather than humbly submitting to God's sovereignty. Recognizing these obstacles is crucial. Acknowledging our limitations and humbly seeking God's guidance, like the father in Mark 9:23-25, is the first step towards overcoming them and deepening our trust in the unwavering love and faithfulness of our Creator.
Reflection:
How would you describe the current state of your faith? Is it primarily intellectual assent, or have you experienced a deeper, more personal commitment to Christ?
How can you cultivate a more humble spirit, acknowledging your limitations and relying on God's strength?