The Resurrection of the Body

By Words of Hope, Sunday, March 30, 2008

Read: 1 Corinthians 15

For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. (v. 16)

One week ago today we celebrated the reality on which our faith hinges—that "he rose again from the dead." The resurrection of Jesus Christ is both the fulcrum of our faith and the promise that we will be raised too. Because Christ has been raised, as Paul's argument goes, we are assured that we will be raised too. And our resurrection, like his resurrection, means a glorious transformed body.

As a pastor I have the unspeakable privilege of walking alongside people who are experiencing significant challenges in life. Recently an older woman from our congregation was preparing for open heart surgery. I spent some time with her before the surgery. I wanted to lend an ear of care and concern and pray with her. Before we prayed I asked how she was doing. She responded confidently, "For me it is a win-win situation. If I live my heart will be stronger, if I don't I will be in glory." I smiled and we prayed.

As I drove away from her home, though, it struck me that she must have spent a lifetime reading her Bible and reciting our creed. "For me it is a win-win" because "I believe in the resurrection of the body."

Prayer: Dear Jesus, for your resurrection and ours, thank you. Amen.

Used with Permission