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1 Corinthians 15:54-58
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
New International Version (NIV)
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What if Jesus were not actually raised from the dead? Do you ever wonder what difference that would make? In this chapter Paul sets forth the resurrection as the central truth on which the gospel rises or falls. Some in the church denied the idea of a physical resurrection from the dead. Paul tells them, if that were true then Christ could not have risen, and their faith would be in vain.
When we have the high privilege of standing with a family at a funeral or graveside, we know that what we believe matters. If the people to whom we minister will never see their loved one again, their grief would know no bounds. This fifteenth chapter offers great hope to all of us who face the valley of the shadow of death for our families and for ourselves.
Christ arose on the third day and appeared to many people. This gives us confidence that our trust in him is well-placed. He is first and we will follow. When we receive our new bodies, death itself will be swallowed up in victory. We will join Paul in the taunt, "Where is your sting, death, where your victory?"
What difference does it make to so many in our congregation who have lost loved ones or face death? All. It makes all the difference. Once Paul explains the promise of resurrection in a new physical body he says, "Therefore . . ." Since resurrection is a reality, we can stand firm, immovable. We can give ourselves fully to the Lord's work. Why? Our faith and the works we do for God could never be in vain. As Jesus told his disciples, "Because I live, you too will live." This is our hope. Never let it go!
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Pray with me:
Father, we live our lives in the valley of the dark shadow of death. Talking faces appear each day on television to announce how many died in our country and in the world. As Easter people, we thank you for the resurrection of our Savior. Help us to hold on to the hope of our own resurrection. Let our faith give us a deep sense of purpose in all we do. Remind us that it all matters, because Christ lives. Thank you for making life worth the living. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Join us in memorizing the Word. Scripture for this week:
Matthew 5:31-32
It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
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| Our 2020 Every Day with Jesus readings will follow the Foundations New Testament reading plan. Copies of the reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download your copy at REPLICATE.ORG
We would love for you to join us as we read the New Testament through this year, five chapters a week. In addition I will continue my long-standing practice of reading one Psalm a day through the year. Use Robby Gallaty’s H. E. A. R. plan to study each chapter (also found at REPLICATE.ORG). Highlight verses which speak to you, explain what they mean in your own words in a journal, apply them to your own life, then respond by doing what God tells you to do.
Joyfully,
Duane
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