Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english

John 11:17-27

"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she replied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."

Even though Martha knows all the biblical truths, yet she did not truly believe them. That's why when Jesus says that her brother will rise again, Martha comes up with a piece of doctrine in response, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Again Jesus says to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." In other words, Jesus is saying that Lazarus will be alive again even though he died. Once again, Martha thinks that the Lord is reminding her of some theological teachings. That's why Martha answers, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." Martha thinks that the resurrection Jesus is talking about is at the end times.

Indeed, when the Lord comes back again, we will be resurrected. However, the Lord is not talking about the end times here. He is saying that Lazarus will rise from the dead now. Even though Martha hears this, but in her heart she finds it hard to imagine that this could be true. Likewise, it is hard for us to imagine what God will do. Even though the Lord has already said it very clearly, but we still find it hard to accept. Hebrews 11:6 says that "without faith it is impossible to please God." When we come to God, we need to not only believe that there is a God, but we need to believe that God rewards those who earnestly seek him. A lot of people only have the first kind of faith, which is to believe that there is a God. But to only believe that there is a God is not enough, because in the Book of James the Lord tells us that even the demons believe in God and shudder. Therefore, we not only need to believe that there's a God, but we also need to believe that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. This kind of person is truly blessed!

Brothers and sisters, do you believe in God? Do you believe that God rewards those who earnestly seek him? You can truly bring all your needs to God! You need to believe deeply in your heart that God can personally with his ingenious hands guide and lead you and provide for you. Not only this, but you need to deeply believe that when you seek God, he will reward those who earnestly seek him. Hallelujah! This is such a precious promise! We need to come to God with a true faith and not with a lot of creeds and doctrines. And also in our life, we need to truly believe that God rewards those who earnestly seek him!

Pray with Pastor Tong

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Dear Lord, I thank you because you listen to my prayer and you answer me. You are glad to reward those who earnestly seek you. I am willing to open up my life to you Lord. Please personally guide and lead me, so that I may experience your riches, your almighty power, and your love. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!