Read the Bible in a Year

1 Corinthians 15:35-50

I have a friend who just lost his daughter.  With having four children of my own, I cannot fathom or even comprehend the pain he must be in at this time.  When I asked him how he was doing, his response was, “These are very dark days.” As believers in Jesus Christ, we know in our hearts and with the faith that God gives to us, we have the promise of eternal life.  However, what we don’t know is what that place looks like; what our human bodies will be like, and what that life will consist of when we no longer live here on earth.  It is the not-knowing that makes it difficult for us when we think of death and those we love who have died.

When St. Paul developed the Corinth Church, his congregation had the same questions that you and I have today.  We not only would like to know for our own sake what heaven will be like, but also for the sake of those we love so much.  And so, in their wonder, they ask him, “How are the dead raised?  With what kind of body do they come? (1 Cor 15:35).  Paul goes on to explain to them that just like we have a physical body here on earth, we will have a spiritual body in heaven!  

Paul then compares what it will be like by comparing a seed that is sown.  It’s first just a seed and when it comes from up from the ground, it’s a stunning, beautiful flower!  While I think gardening is a good example, think also the birth of a child.  A tiny seed is planted in the mother’s womb and within just only nine months, a beautiful child is born!  

The point here is that only God can take something (like a seed) that appears dead and give it life! No human being on this earth has that capability!  And, so that to me is what our resurrection will be like – We will be dead.  It is our God who will take our dead bodies and souls and give us new life!  It’s unexplainable – just as a seed that turns into a magnificent plant and the seed of human life turns into a beautiful child, we too will somehow be glorious – stunning, and beyond belief of anything here on earth!

Jesus says, “Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4).  These are dark days.  But, the days are surely coming, thus says the Lord, “I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for tomorrow.”  (Jeremiah 31:13).  The wonder of our eternal life is in the mystery of God who created all that we and all that we will be when we are with Him – finally!  

This is the Good News! Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, went to the cross – just so all these promises are sure and written on our hearts. Thanks be to God!

Let us pray.  Lord God, heavenly, glorious, and mighty! Only You can take something that appears dead, raise it up, and give it new life!  We can’t understand it.  We cannot begin to imagine what that looks like or will be like.  However, we do know it is your promise to give us our final destination.  We pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones.  Give them Your peace and comfort of knowing that you have them in Your loving arms.  We pray this in your Name.  Amen.