Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26, ESV)
“Do you really believe these words, Martha?” Jesus asked. Behind it all was this: “I know that one of our dear and beloved friends, Lazarus, has passed away. But, listen to these words. Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. I am the man, the Son of God, who was sent to this earth to save men and women from their sins. Martha, do you really believe that all people, of all nations, of all backgrounds who put their faith and trust in me will never perish and have eternal life? Do you believe this?”
Martha was probably in shock as her brother, Lazarus of Bethany, had just passed away. She was distracted, most likely confused, and maybe even bitter and angry. She was probably feeling many different emotions.
In the world around us there are always things that ultimately distract, disorient, and bewilder us.During a big invitational tournament in college, I was hitting the ball great but just not putting well. I had hit almost every green, but only dropped a few of the birdies. So what did I do in the middle of the tournament? I went to the practice green, got out my putting arc, and started hitting putts along the proper, arced path that this tool was designed to promote.
Then my swing and short game instructor, who was at the tournament with me, came out of nowhere and met me on the green. “Rosson, what are you doing with that yellow arced instrument?” I answered, “My putting was off today and nothing went in.” My instructor replied this way, “All you need to do is refocus. Your putting technique and the plane of your path is on point, the best I’ve ever seen it. You just need to see the ball go in the hole a few times and trust that the hard work you’ve put into this game will pay off.”
You see, after most rounds (especially competitive rounds), we golfers leave the course frustrated. It is always something. We get flustered and anxious and often lose focus of what we need to work on or practice. That’s when we need the most help.
And this is what happens to us a lot these days, as it happened to Martha. In the world around us—our job, our home life, the culture in which we live, the school or college we attend—there are always things that ultimately distract, disorient, and bewilder us.
So as you read today’s verse reminding us that Jesus, the majestic Son of God, is the resurrection and the life, and that if you put your faith and trust in him you shall inherit eternal life, you have to answer the question: Do you believe this is true?
“Rosson (insert your name), do you believe this to be true? Do you trust me in everything? Do you believe that I am the Lord over your life and that I’ve got you?”
What’s really important in this world? That Jesus saves the lost and he has come to save you. Trust him, dear brothers and sisters—and may we love him and others well!
—
Rosson Anderson
May 31, 2017
Copyright 2017 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.