resurrection – Page 3

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 – Jesus Isn’t Dead

Paul is now addressing the fourth and final big issue the Corinthians were struggling with. Don’t we all wish for a “Paul” to send us a letter personally dealing with the issues that are plaguing us right now? (Good news – we have the Bible with plenty of answers!)

Resurrection. What do you think about it? Most of us, if not all, have never witnessed it. Wrapping our heads around such a miracle of life and death can be tough. Is the resurrection of Jesus just one of those things that you totally accept because of your deep faith and relationship with God?

Luke 24:13-35 – What Do We Do With Our Easter Faith?

Read Luke 24:13-35

Jesus emerging from the tomb surrounded in great light

Right before our reading today happens, we hear about the empty tomb for the first time. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is risen! I hope you were able to find a way to get to an Easter celebration in a church near you. The songs of Easter are still ringing in my ears! The joy and marvel of Jesus’ resurrection – what do we do with it?

Our Easter faith simply means we put our trust in Jesus as our Messiah. We must never forget his great sacrifice for us. He did all the work, and now it’s our turn to believe. We might find ourselves blinded like those men on the road to Emmaus. We read that “God kept them from recognizing him.” Ask God to reveal himself to you.

1 Corinthians 15:1-26 💜 Our Ultimate Destiny

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-26

Many young girls dream of being a princess one day so they can have their fairy tale “happily ever after” ending. Thanks Cinderella! As I read Paul’s words, I realize that as a follower of Jesus I will get my happy ending (no fairy godmothers required). As for being a princess, I am a daughter of the King after all!

By referring to Jesus as King Jesus, we can easily relate to our notion of seeking his kingdom. That’s been our final theme as we’ve been Discovering the Bible Together. Are you starting to get a clearer picture of God’s kingdom?

December 15 🌟 God’s Favor (Isaiah 61:1-11)

Read Isaiah 61:1-11

A girl holding a cardboard sign that reads "BLESSED"

We may recall Jesus reciting the opening words of this passage in Luke 4. Jesus ends with these words before sitting down, “the time of the LORD’s favor has come.” Isaiah prophesied about the LORD’s favor, and then Jesus proclaims the words had been fulfilled that very day.

Certainly, we do see Jesus as the one appointed to bring good news to the poor. We think of Jesus’ earthly mission as a care ministry, bringing peace and wholeness to those he encounters. What do we see when we read these same words with our Advent eyes?

Mark 12:18-27 – What’s Next?

Read Mark 12:18-27

Resurrection. It’s a term we hear in the church as it relates to Jesus. He was dead, and then he was not – he was resurrected, raised from the dead. Jesus has been preparing his disciples for this phenomenon, yet they don’t understand.

We may also think of the story of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, who was also dead. After Jesus spoke, Lazarus was raised back to life and no longer dead. The difference is Lazarus died a second time but Jesus did not. Jesus ascended to heaven and is preparing a place for us. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

If today’s reading left you puzzled, you are not alone. I, too, was left scratching my head. It’s question three posed to Jesus, and this time by the Sadducees, an aristocratic group of priestly families. They were known to accept as their authority only the written Law in scripture.

We may also wonder about resurrection and what it means for us and for our loved ones who have gone before us. Questions about what happens to us when we die have been asked for centuries. Jesus cautions us, “you don’t know the power of God.” It is true, there are many mysteries, and God’s power and might are right at the top of the list.

We must not limit God to our own understanding. Jesus suggests the possibility of solutions, and a reality quite different from one we could ever imagine. The understanding of Scripture can also unlock a wisdom for us and a glimpse at the goodness of God, the greatness of God, and the grace of God. It is by that grace that we are saved.

Do you want a peace about your life and your after life? Have a relationship with God, know Jesus as your friend, and rely on the Holy Spirit in all you say and do. Focus on God’s word as His message to you. God’s word is alive and powerful, and it will accomplish what it says and sustain all who hear it.

Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today again amazed at your powerful grace. There is nothing I can do to deserve it because you give it so freely. Help me to get my mind around that truth and give my life to you completely. May it be crystal clear to those I encounter that you are Lord of my life. Thank you that the fear of death for me is only the thrill of spending eternity with you. May I take each day that you give me as a gift and pass that gift on to others. Thank you for the freedom you have given me to dream and to soar. In Jesus’ name. Amen.