He is Risen
2024 EASTER SUNDAY
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.”
Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.”
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live.”
Although Lazarus had been entombed for four days by the time Jesus arrived at Bethany, Jesus raised him from the dead and he emerged from the tomb wearing his burial cloths. Jesus loved Lazarus so much. He came here to teach us about love, and how it transcends any experience. Martha believed Jesus when he said her brother would rise. She said that her brother would rise ‘on the last day’ and Jesus loved her so much that he brought Lazarus back to life on that very day.
During my childhood my mother told me biblical stories that fascinated me deeply, such as the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I have heard this story over and over and I will always enjoy the lessons learned, “simply believe.” I have always appreciated it and have frequently read the verses in the Bible, watched the movie about it and other miracles that Jesus performed during His life on earth. It is the simple word, “Believe” that strengthens my faith and belief that everything is possible with God. When you need a hand to raise you up, God will be there. All you have to do is believe.
I do believe because I have received miracles during my deployment in Iraq. It was a simple request, “Believe… I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Do you believe this? Do you believe in Jesus, the son of God?
Martha’s answer to the question of Jesus was, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”
Martha and her sister Mary believed in Jesus even before He raised Lazarus from the dead. Their faith became stronger and gave glory to God especially when they witnessed Lazarus emerge from the tomb. They have seen, and they believed.
Another great story was the appearance of Jesus to His apostles and Thomas (Didymus) was not at home. The apostles told Thomas about the visit of the Lord. Thomas was skeptic and refused to believe without direct personal experience of seeing Jesus himself.
One day, though the doors were locked, Jesus came, stood among His apostles and said, “Peace be with you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it on my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told Him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Believe… such a simple word. So simple yet so powerful that will let you see the rewards of eternal life. Just believe…
HAPPY AND BLESSED EASTER EVERYONE FROM THE SILENT FREEDOM TEAM.
John 11: 1-45
John 20:24-29
-Aurea
