The first couple months of 2010 certainly will be remembered for natural disasters. Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti, plus record snowfall in the United States, along with severe storms in Europe have all dominated the headlines in recent days.

Political turmoil at home surrounding automotive recalls and healthcare “reform” initiatives working through Congress also have marked these first days of a new decade.

As serious — and as important — as these events are, there is a more serious issue to ponder this month as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

It is the question Jesus asked at Bethany when, after proclaiming that He, Himself, was the resurrection and the life and that those who believed and put their trust in Him would have eternal life, He asked, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26 NKJV).

In reading this text I have often wondered how our Lord inflected this question.

• Did He ask, “Do YOU believe this?” After all, it is personal.
• Did He ask, “Do you BELIEVE this?” It is, after all, pointed.
• Or, did He ask, “Do you believe THIS?” It is precise.

May we during this Easter season answer it in the fashion that it was answered in Bethany, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world” (John 11:27). O. S. Hawkins’ book, More Good News for Great Days¸ is available as a PDF download from GuideStone’s website.