Martha said, ‘I know he will rise again at the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who was to come into this world.’
John 11:24 – 27
I don’t know about you, but when I firmly and utterly believe in something, I am drawn to people, art and music that reflect that belief. Despite all the loud noise by cynics and agnostics, my belief in the resurrection is absolute. Do I have physical proof outside the scriptures? No. Do I need the proof of an empty tomb or the wounded hands and side of Jesus himself? No. Have I had some vision of the afterlife? No. What I do know about the resurrection, about the hope and promise of life yet to come, is based on my experience, my human experience – my love for my family and friends and their love for me. It is grounded in hope for the pain and suffering experienced by all humanity, not least of which for me, are my parents, my brothers, my grandparents, relatives, and friends, all who have left this life. I trust my God.
The following song is close to my heart, for it affirms who and what I believe.
I know that my redeemer lives,
The one who calls me home.
I long to see God face to face,
To see with my own eyes.
I know that my redeemer lives,
That I shall rise again.
I know that my redeemer lives,
That I shall rise again.
I know that I shall one day see,
The goodness of the Lord,
When God will wipe away my tears,
And death will be no more.
The last day I shall rise again,
Shall be remade like God.
My home shall be by God’s own side,
The dying, rising Lord.
I know that my redeemer lives. Scott Soper, 1990.
This Lent, on Sunday, we are drawn deeply into the Lazarus story (John 11:1-45). What does this story hold for you? What song sings your convictions most truly? What song will sing in your life? Seek it now, live it, love it. We have no greater gift to offer our loved ones than hope, hope for life with the Lord, hope for a life fully lived. Forever.
Mr Peter Douglas
Director of Faith and Mission