Life Starts Now

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realize that you're extremely thirsty? Hungry? Weary? You probably have been in much need of water, food or sleep for a long time, but you just then are suddenly aware of it.

That's how I felt this morning. Except, I wasn't hungry, thirsty or tired. I was empty. I was selfish. I woke up desperately needing God's love. I've woken up like this a lot, but today I was acutely aware of it.

I took a break from homework and opened up my Bible, and of course God knew exactly what I needed. As I've been working at a coffee shop, I've kind of equated myself with one of those extremely cranky customers that comes in regularly. Except instead of being a regular at Biggby, I try to be a regular at the Bible. Not only am I a cranky customer, but I'm also one of the customers that has no stinking idea what I want so I just stand there staring at the menu board. But God is the ultimate barista, so He knows exactly what I need. 

Today I needed a strong dose of the gospel of John. In John 11, Jesus hears that one of his best friends has died. I love this story because it reveals the humanity of Christ. He had close friends who he loved deeply, and he hurt deeply when they were hurt. So he goes to his friend's funeral in Bethany. 

"On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 
'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. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'
"'Yes, Lord,' she told him, 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
-John 11:17, 20-27

Martha knows her stuff. She has listened to Jesus and knows his promises of eternal life. However, she underestimates him. She believes that she and her family will have eternal life in heaven. But Jesus has something even better for her.

"Then Jesus said, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?'
So they took away the stone...Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!'
"The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
"Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
-John 11:40,43-44

When Jesus offers us life, he isn't just talking about heaven. He offers us life where we are right now. 
He satisfies our soul's hunger and thirst and gives us new strength. He gives us new life. 
Max Lucado wrote a wonderful book entitled Come Thirsty that elaborates on the wonderful gift of eternal life that Jesus has offered us. I highly recommend it.

Shameless Plug: I also highly recommend Biggby if you are physically thirsty. The frozen tea lattes are soooooo good.