Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Resurrection: Celebration of New Life in Christ

Sherin K. Abraham
St. Andrews MTC, Yonkers, NY

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58


 

When we attend a funeral service, Achen prays a specific prayer before the deceased is interred. He says, “O God who has said of our race, “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” We commit the body of this Your servant to the earth, with the hope that You will raise it up for eternal life in the last day.” As a man or woman living in this world, we all know that one day we are going to die. As we are made of dust, one day we will return to it.

In the church of Corinth, the congregation and the church leaders were wondering what would happen after the death of a person. From Paul’s response in his epistle, he talks about the powerful hope that we have in resurrection. He uses an example of a seed to illustrate the power of resurrection. He shows that our physical body is just like a seed. Which was something weak and small (our physical body), may raise something powerful and glorious (our spiritual body). Paul shows how Adam became the first living human but through the entry of sin in the world, the physical being will perish. However, because of Jesus (the last Adam) who came down from heaven, He imparts us with his life-giving spirit.

During this Easter season let us remember that it is only through Jesus that we have received this victory. Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection gives us this unwavering confidence that death can and has been defeated. Paul talks about a certain time when the trumpet will sound to raise the people who are dead and they will become immortal and imperishable (v. 52-53). Because of this hope, we are confident in knowing that our life in the earth is not the end. The world will put many toils, suffering, and temptation for us. There will be times when it is easier to leave the presence of God and doubt Him rather than trusting in Him and His promises. We must stay stable, determined, and strong within the belief that even though we have failed in sin, our life is not defined by our past mistakes. Our efforts are not in vain for the work of the Lord. On the last day, Jesus, the just King will come, and will wipe away our sins and tears. We will be part of the Heavenly kingdom with the saints and angels worshipping the Almighty and Glorious Lord.  

PRAYER

Almighty Lord, we believe that one day You will come and we will be part of the Heavenly realm. As we wait for that joyous day, provide us with peace knowing that all the work we do in this world, as trivial as it may seem, may bring You glory and honor. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

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