May 26, 2025
From death to life
Read: 1 Kings 3, 4; Psalm 145; John 5: 24-47
Scripture: John 5: 24 "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
Observation: Life is a major theme in the Gospel of John. As compared to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John frequently (36 times) uses the Greek word for life, "zóé." The word "Zoe" refers to both physical and spiritual life. Here, Jesus says that one's faith is related to his eternal life. This life that Jesus offers is not limited to particular people. It is available to anyone ("whoever") who hears Jesus' words and puts his faith in God. When a person starts to believe in Jesus, he begins to experience God in his life. John 5:24 does not refer to something that would happen in the future or on the day of judgment. In Jesus' words, a believer has already crossed over from death to life, from spiritual death to eternal life in Christ. In other words, a believer belongs to eternal life, not to spiritual death.
Life in Christ dispels all darkness and brings light. Our faith in Jesus Christ rewards us both in this world and the afterlife. The life that Jesus gives us helps us experience fellowship with God right from the day we first believe in him; it is not a temporal one but eternal life with no end. When we believe in God, we can be confident that we have moved from the valley of death that is full of darkness to the realm of life where God reigns.
Application: Many people hear the Gospel of Jesus. However, they all do not believe the message of Jesus. I should not be a mere listener of the Word of God. I believe in God and his word. His word sets me free from death and condemnation and leads me to life, eternal life. How wonderful it is to experience this God-given eternal life and fellowship! My faith in God delivers me from all fears of death. I have crossed over from death to life. God rules my life, not death. Whether I live or die, I belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8).
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for the life you gave me in response to my faith. Lord, you give eternal life to whoever believes in you. Thank you for your help in moving from the state of spiritual death to eternal life. Jesus, help me to live with you today and forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 146