A Jot From John
He fell at Jesus’ feet and begged him to go with him (Luke 8:41). His only daughter was dying. But even as they made their way through the congested streets, a messenger met them to say “Your daughter is dead; don’t trouble the Teacher” (v 49). Immediately, Jesus sought to comfort the man: “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be all right” (v 50). Even when they arrived and found the family and friends mourning, Jesus sought to lift their great burden, but they laughed bitterly as he said, “Don’t cry, for she isn’t dead but is sleeping” (v 52). Undaunted, Jesus took her hand and said, “Little girl . . . arise” (v 54). And to the utter amazement of all but Jesus, the twelve year old immediately stood up.
The Gift Of Life
Jesus possessed the gift of life. Indeed, it was the heart of his gospel: “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Of course, Jesus spoke not merely of an abundant life on earth; he spoke also of eternal life, and the fact that he could raise from the dead individuals like Jairus’s daughter demonstrated his power to award such a gift!
To the woman at Jacob’s well, he said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14). And when Martha failed to acknowledge his power to raise Lazarus from the dead, the Master replied, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
Power Over Death
To countless thousands, there is genuine hope of life beyond the grave. Hope which is based upon a confident faith in the power of Christ over death. Jesus claimed this power even before he was crucified; “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again . . .” (John 10:17-18). And as proof that he did, the apostle Paul could count five hundred witnesses, who had seen Christ alive after his death and resurrection.
Our Hope Of Life
Think of the tremendous promise this holds for you and me! To possess eternal life beyond the grave. Life which, according to the apostle Paul, is “the free gift of God” (Romans 5:15), And who may obtain such a gift? The Bible says that Jesus is the “author of eternal salvation to all those that obey him” (Hebrews 5:9). In his own words, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life” (John 3:36). It is a marvelous truth and marvelous gift – eternal life! With Paul we can say, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54) . “. . . but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Cor. 15:57).
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister