John 11:40
Reflecting on the words of Jesus, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” from John 11:40 brings a lot to think about. These words were said during a moment of great sorrow and uncertainty. Jesus was speaking to Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus. In such a moment, the promise of seeing the glory of God through belief stands out.
What does it mean to believe? Is it just a mental acceptance or something deeper? Belief, in this context, seems to ask for more than just acknowledging that something is true. It asks for trust, for a relationship built on faith. How challenging it must be to truly believe, especially in times of pain and loss. Yet, this belief opens the door to witnessing something extraordinary, something divine.
What is the glory of God? It’s a phrase often heard but not always understood. The glory of God can be seen in creation, in acts of love, in moments of wonder and peace. In the story of Lazarus, it was seen in the miracle of bringing him back to life. But perhaps it is not just about witnessing miracles. Could the glory of God also be seen in ordinary, everyday moments when hearts are open and faith is strong?
How does one recognize the glory of God in daily life? It might be found in acts of kindness, in the beauty of nature, in the stillness of prayer. It might be seen in the strength to endure hardships, in the hope that persists even in the darkest times. Belief helps to see beyond the immediate, beyond the visible, to the deeper reality where God's presence dwells.
Jesus's words encourage a profound kind of seeing. Not just seeing with the eyes, but with the heart. Would it change the way one lives if there was an active effort to believe and thus to see the glory of God? This kind of seeing transforms how the world is viewed and experienced.
Questions can arise from reflecting on these words. How does one's belief shape their vision of life and God? Are there moments when belief wavers, and how can one strengthen it? What are ways to be more attentive to the glory of God around us?
There is a gentle humility in admitting that not all answers are known. The journey of faith involves both questions and trust. Continuing to seek, to believe, and to remain open to God’s glory is, in itself, a beautiful act of faith.
So, in the spirit of these words from Jesus, consider what it means to believe and to seek the glory of God daily. In doing so, doors to deeper understanding and richer experiences of God's presence may open, inviting one into a closer, more meaningful relationship with the divine.
