Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 I AM [The Resurrection and the Life]

 John 11:21-27
V. 25 : "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

In John’s Gospel, we are introduced to the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. Each statement reveals more and more regarding the nature of our Triune God. Not only do the “I am” statements prove to us the deity of Jesus, but also, they show us how personable He is with His creation. Our Lord Jesus Christ is relational in every way. From Genesis to Revelation, this truth is evident throughout. 
Nowadays, it seems like suffering is present in every direction we look and turn to. This is due in large part to the global pandemic that we are currently living through. COVID-19 has hijacked the thoughts and minds of this entire world. In the midst of all the disease and death, we may ask: is there a greater purpose being worked out? If there has ever been a time for a spiritual wake up call, now is it. There ought to be a desperate need in our lives for the “I am” that reveals Himself to creation since the beginning. In John 11, what does Jesus reveal about Himself in the “I am” statement? Jesus tells us that He holds power over life and death. This is the same Jesus who allowed Lazarus’ affliction to run its course. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus spells out the purpose behind Lazarus’ affliction. The purpose is so that He “may be glorified through it” (John 11:4 NKJV). 
Let us take the story of Lazarus and extrapolate that there is a plan and purpose behind suffering, even on a personal level for us. Our first inclination when we encounter pain or hardship of any sort in this life is oftentimes to question God. It may not be readily apparent to us, but the experience of suffering brings us closer to our Lord and Savior. Take a look at those who sought healing from Jesus in the Gospels. Those who were deemed a lost cause by society were also the ones who made room for Jesus to come into and work in their lives. They were suffering, but more importantly, they were not without hope. So let us not grow weary in this journey of faith with the One who said “I am” time and time again. Our Lord is ready to meet us in our place of need and provide all that we could ever ask for.

 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge this day that you have a plan and purpose for each of our lives. We know fully well that any suffering we take part in does not go unnoticed. Lord, you are a God who meets us in the midst of our battles. The battle belongs to You. You have decided the outcome already. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Thought for the day
Put on God’s Word as a life jacket. If we cling onto our Lord Jesus Christ, then we can have the assurance of life. 

Christin Mathew, Epiphany MTC, NY

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