November 17: Have assurance of life after death

Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt starred in a movie called "As Good As It Gets" several years ago. Nicholson's character was a man with psychological problems who was trying to overcome them in order to win over Hunt's character. The question was asked regarding Nicholson's quirky ways toward the end of the film: "What if this is as good as it gets?" This same question is asked by millions in the world today regarding their present life.

Marcus Buckley is senior pastor of Terry Parker Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Having seen the provision and protection available as the sheep of the Great Shepherd in John chapter 10, we see that our Shepherd looks out for us beyond this life. In 1 John 5:13 the apostle writes: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." One of the reasons for our "super abundant" life is that we know that whatever we face on earth, we as believers in Christ Jesus have the assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven.

In John chapter 11 we see the story of Lazarus, a friend of Jesus who died from an illness. Jesus was told of his friends poor condition prior to his death (John 11:1-3), but Jesus delayed two days before going to his side (John 11:6). Jesus had said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it" (John 11:4). Note that He did not say that Lazarus would not die, but that this episode would not end in death, but would be a means by which Jesus would demonstrate His glory.

When Jesus and His disciples arrived, Lazarus' sister Martha ran to meet them, saying that "'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:21-26). This plain statement from Christ Himself should settle once and for all the issue of an afterlife: eternal life has been made possible through the grace of God demonstrated through His Son. Martha's response is a powerful affirmation of her belief in Jesus as the Christ, and is a clear statement of her belief in what Jesus said.

Even so, it is understandable that Martha would have what we would consider practical concerns in the working of God. As Jesus instructs that the stone be removed from Lazarus' tomb, Martha exclaims: "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days" (John 11:39b). How often is our own faith in God interrupted by "practical concerns?" Jesus response speaks to us all: "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11: 40). The resurrection of Lazarus was a shock to all who saw, even Martha who had just made such a powerful declaration about the identity and nature of Jesus (John 11:41-44). We become discouraged so easily by our circumstances, but we need to remember that Jesus knows everything that is going to happen in our lives long before it actually occurs.

As much as we might like to, dessert is best saved for after dinner. Many times we get our children to eat something they don't particularly care for by promising them a sweet dessert. They are willing to eat almost anything when they think of the dessert that lies ahead. This life is the meal - sometimes we like it, sometimes we don't. But we can take comfort in knowing that the best part is still to come.