Over the last 50 years I have often reminded bereaved people of the wonderful truth that a glorious resurrection awaits all who believe on Jesus Christ. But sometimes grieving people are so overwhelmed with their loss that they cannot rejoice in the prospect of a far-off-in-the-future reunion.

In John 11, we read about Martha's struggle between her feelings and what she knew to be true. She was grieving because her brother Lazarus had died. When Jesus spoke with her, she told Him that she believed in a future day of resurrection. But then Jesus took her a step further and helped her to find comfort by focusing on Him rather than just on a future event. He declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" (v.25). This led her to confess her faith in Him (v.27). Her new focus on Him must have helped her because she then went to her sister Mary and told her to come to Jesus (v.28).

It's wonderful to know that because Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave we can look forward to a day of resurrection. But it's even more comforting to know and trust the One who is the resurrection and the life. He is present with us today to comfort, reassure, and strengthen us through all our circumstances (Mt. 28:20).  — Herbert Vander Lugt