Jesus, the only source of life, is the one we must call upon to receive new life. But calling on Jesus is just the first step of this journey. It is easy to call on Jesus. Millions, maybe billions, of people do it everyday, seeking help with a situation they are in. But my guess is with many it stops simply with asking for help. Many want God to do it all. Many want God to step in and just solve their problems. Many think that as soon as we ask it's over. But many times it doesn't happen that way, and especially when it comes to receiving new life.
This is a journey we are on, and no journey is complete with one step, even if that same step is repeated many times. There must be a second step in every journey. And as we see in John 11, the second step to new life is to follow Jesus.
We saw that when we call on Jesus, He does things in His time, when He is ready. And with this second step we see that Jesus does things His way. God has a plan about how things are best done. Remember John 11.4b says, "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." God must be glorified, and everything He does is done in the way the gives Him the most glory. God's way might not always make the most sense, it might not be the most clear or certain, but it is the path that leads to new life.
Jesus, after waiting two days says to His disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." His disciples aren't crazy about this idea because the last time they were there the Jews had tried to stone Jesus. Going back is dangerous, and very possibly means death, not just for Jesus, but also for anyone with Him. They raise their concerns, and Jesus responds, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world." There are several meanings of this, but the one that hits me the hardest is that there are only twelve hours in a day. There is only so much time, and while there is plenty of time to do all that God has called us to do, there is no time to spare. Our time must be used well and not wasted, because we don't get it back.
Jesus knew that this would be His final trip to Judea. That shortly after the events that were about to happen a cross was waiting for Him. But He knew the end result of the cross, and He knew that the time had come, and so He prepares to head south. After some dialogue that the disciples don't understand, Jesus tells them, "Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him."
And then Thomas makes a statement of courage, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him." Some suggest that this is an attitude of discouragement and being an downer, resolved to the fact that this is the inescapable outcome. But others, myself included, see it as a statement of courage. Thomas knew the absolute worst that could happen in Judea, but he was resolved to stick with Jesus even if it meant death.
Jesus' road seemed crazy, it seemed dangerous and uncertain. In some ways it probably seemed to be a waste. But we see that it was the path that leads to new life. And if we never follow Jesus down the uncertain road of danger we never get to new life.
God never gives us the full details of the journey. He doesn't tell us all of the obstacles that await us ahead of time. If He did we would never take the first step out of fear or the sheer overwhelming scope of it all. All God says is, "Follow Me. I will never leave you or forsake you. I will be with you wherever you go."
If we want new life, we must follow Jesus no matter where He leads. It will have dangers, it will be full of uncertainty. But one thing we can be sure of is that He will lead and guide us every step of the way. And when we get to the end we will have new life that only He can give.
To God alone be the glory!
Peace be with you
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