THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE

March 12

Bible Reading: John 11:17-26

John 11:25-26, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Various tasks delayed my visit to a new hospice patient, and when I finally arrived, I discovered that the patient was dying. He clearly had little time left.  The wife suggested I take her seat and asked if I’d pray for him.  I read a few Scripture passages and shared some comforting words.  Though I don’t recall the exact words, I prayed, asking Jesus, who died for our sins and then rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), to grant comfort and strength and to walk with him on his journey.  Until that moment, he’d been completely unresponsive. But when I finished my prayer, the most amazing thing happened!  With the little strength he had left, he reached out his hand towards me.  Minutes later, he breathed his final breath.  Amidst the sorrow of his passing, it was a timely blessing.  And we all marveled at how God had orchestrated things!  I don’t know what transpired in the patient’s heart, but I know Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and that God is merciful, and that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).

Christ is the resurrection and the life!  That’s good news!  Though death looms over us (Psalm 23:4), that message of hope makes all the difference.  He is the resurrection.  Death could not exist where He was, and He soon put an end to every funeral He ever attended.  He called Lazarus from the tomb.  He rose from His own grave, for it was “not possible for him to be held” by death’s power (Acts 2:24).  “I died,” He said, “and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18).  The resurrection and life promise is to those who believe.  At the moment of saving faith, they pass “from death to life” (John 5:24).  Not only does He remove from us the fear of death, He imparts life.  His life flows through the lives of those who believe in Him (Romans 6:4).  Have you trusted in Jesus (Romans 10:9)?

Warren Wiersbe has commented on this: “Christ is able to raise the dead and meet every need of the new life that follows that miracle, because He is both ‘the resurrection and the life.’ The Lord can move into ‘dead’ and seemingly hopeless human situations, and by His resurrection power, transform people and circumstances and infuse life that makes everything new.”

Warren Wiersbe

Christ has worked to replace the dark door of death with the shining gate of life.

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
“I am,” says Christ, “your glorious Head,”
May we attention give,
The Resurrection of the dead,
The life of all that live.

By faith in me the soul receives
New life, though dead before;
And he that in my name believes,
Shall live to die no more.

The sinner sleeping in his grave
Shall at my voice awake,
And when I once begin to save,
My work I’ll ne’er forsake.

Thy power and mercy first prevailed
From death to set us free;
And often since our life had failed,
Had it not been in thee.

To thee we look, to thee we bow,
To thee for help we call;
Our Life and Resurrection thou,
Our Hope, our Joy, our All.

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment