October 9, 2020 -- John 11:25 -- Ballast for the storm
/Jesus said to her,
“I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…”
John 11:25 English Standard Version
Listening to a sermon by John Piper he used a wonderful illustration that really gripped me. He noted when a hurricane is heading towards the coast of Alabama, fishermen will put heavy ballast in their boats. This ballast, extra weight, will keep the boat from tipping as easily when the storm hits and the waves toss the boat about. What a great image that is!
Look our verse today, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Those who believe in Him do not fear death. Why? Because Jesus is the Victor over death and the grave. He has conquered it. What a glorious hope we have. What crazy storms our country is going through right now. There is a second wave of Covid-19; though I live in a province with virtually no cases, all people are required to wear masks in all public buildings. Visits to those who are sick in the hospital are suspended. Those in palliative care have very restricted visitor lists, perhaps one or two are allowed to visit. Despite all of this, Jesus is our ballast. He keeps us from tipping over into hopeless chaos!
In the midst of all the upheaval and difficulty, we who believe in Jesus Christ know He is the resurrection life. We live for Him with joy now and in trembling expectation of the time when sin shall be no more and we shall live in the new heaven and the new earth in awesome Presence of Him Who is the Radiance of the Father. Do not lose hope beloved people of God. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Captain of Salvation and Perfecter of Faith.
Blessed Jesus, in the middle of these storms and the creeping exhaustion many of us are starting to feel, let the glorious truth of Your Resurrection power revive us. Spirit of God, motivate us to deep, happy and holy living so that many will see in us the truth that no one can steal our joy in Jesus. Triune God, refine our faith so that You, Father are hallowed and the Son reaps the reward for which He came to this earth—many believers from all the tribes and nations to the glorious praise of Your Name, Father—and this in Your mighty power at work in us, Spirit of God. Amen.
