Meditation

05-02-2023

Today’s lesson is dedicated to my son Jerry Jr.; Born 10/09/72 and died 05/02/2023

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came though a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to Him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after had has been put all hist enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he has put everything under his feet.” (1^st Corinthians 15:12-27)

To live as a Christian is to be in Christ (John 15:5). To die as a Christians is to fall asleep in Him. The text presents the logical reasoning that if Christ had not been risen from the dead, then death would be the end for all, even believers. Here the resurrection is asserted as one of the most crucial of all doctrines, so much so that if Christ did not arise, our lives are hopeless. The resurrection of Christ insures that those fallen asleep in Him are not lost, and will be with Him in the Kingdom of heaven.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Dear Abba, each of us who proclaim Christ crucified and walk in belief in Christ will be raised. My son Jerry Jr. wasn’t perfect, but he like all of us did the very best he could to let others know that he knew where he was going and claimed the right of a Christian to enter the kingdom. Like Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead, Jerry entered the kingdom this morning and into the arms of our Lord. He struggled in life, but struggles no more, for he now has attained, what we only surmise. Thank you Lord, for taking him into your arms and let the reunion of family and friends begin for him, where he can once again live with those he loved and gone before him. Bless all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit, that they might set aside their issues and let You deal with them on their behalf, and accept their humble repentance of their sins Abba. For those in conflicts around the world with wars and natural disasters, pour out an anointing upon them all, that they too, might feel You near them and take comfort in that knowledge. Amen.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Forgiving is not hurting you, when you hurt me.”

KNOWING GOD:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit. They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

The dead who die in the Lord are blessed. God’s salvation blesses His people from the cradle to the grave, and indeed from before time to after time. This strangest of all beatitudes pronounces blessedness upon believers at death. Rest from labors and reward for faithfulness join the prospect of immediate fellowship with Christ to constitute the blessedness.

SECOND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“‘Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.’ After he had said this, he went on to tell them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ Jesus’ disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples though he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (John 11:09-15)

This is the sign of signs in John’s Gospel. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after he had been dead four days. Although the actual physical death of Lazarus was clearly validated (in vv 14, 39). Jesus spoke of it as sleep. For believers, death is no more sinister than sleep. It is in fact true rest. For the power of God, resurrection from the dead is no more difficult than rousing persons from sleep. The sign was intended to evoke faith in those who saw it and also those who heard about it. All those who believe in Jesus will be raised from the dead. He has the power over death and the grave. Jesus did not come to break the power of a political empire. He came to win victory over death! To my son, may God continue to bless you and I look forward to seeing you again when it is my turn. Love ya, son.