There’s a story told in Brazil about a missionary who discovered a tribe of friendly Indians in a remote part of the jungle. They lived near a large river. They were in need of medical attention as a contagious and fatal disease was ravaging the population. A clinic was located in another part of the jungle and the missionary was determined to lead the tribe there. However, this would require the Indians to cross the river and they were unwilling.
You see, they believed the river was inhabited by evil spirits, and entering its waters meant death. The missionary tried to overcome their superstition by explaining how he crossed the river and arrived unharmed, but it was futile. He placed his hand in the water; they still wouldn’t believe him. He walked into the river and splashed water on his face. The tribe watched closely, yet they were still hesitant. Finally, he dove into the water and swam until he emerged on the other side. Having proven that the power of the river was a farce, the Indians broke into cheers and followed him across.
Jesus saw His people enslaved by their fear of an inferior power – the power of Satan, of sin, and of death. He explained that the river of death was nothing to fear, yet His people wouldn’t believe Him. He raised a girl from the dead and brought a boy back to life. Nevertheless, His followers remained unconvinced. He even called out Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, from his grave. It still wasn’t enough. Eventually, Jesus entered the river of death, submerged Himself in suffering, and emerged victorious on the other side. On Easter Sunday, death died. God defeated the power of death for us.
Today, Jesus is still calling out to us in our respective caves of fear, hopelessness, despair, and even death. He says, “My child, come out.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11:25-26)
- Senior Pastor Lawrence Khong
