Eternal Life

Read John 11:17-27 Jesus raises Lazarus.

Nancy J. Clark lives in Michigan. Her husband was discouraged and depressed. After treating him for breathing problems for several months, the doctors still could not make a diagnosis and weren't sure what the future held for him.

As a pastor, her husband had dedicated his life to serving others and walking them through their dark valleys. Now he seemed lost and confused. Nancy struggled to find ways to comfort him. But even reminiscing about family camping adventures they enjoyed over the years brought only temporary relief.

One day not long before he died, Nancy walked into his hospital room and felt a peace not of this world. With a faint smile on his face, her husband turned to her and asked, "Are you ready for the next great adventure?" He had accepted the reality of eternal life promised by Jesus when he said, "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."

Nancy now knows in her heart what comfort that promise can give to those who struggle with the reality of their own approaching death, as well as to those left behind. The death of our earthly bodies is not the end. When we accept Jesus as our savior, a whole new great adventure awaits.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your promise that we will remain with you even after our earthly life is over. In Jesus' name. Amen.