After Death

From the first day that it happened, people doubted that Jesus rose from the dead.

It’s just not possible, scientifically. Nothing in human experience suggests that a resurrection could take place.

Yet this message has been shared and believed for centuries. Despite violent opposition from anti-Christian people, the first disciples preached Christ’s resurrection with boldness and joy.

Paul could even say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21).

For what was their own death, if Christ already removed its sting? This was the confidence that propelled the church to spread the truth of Jesus’s resurrection.

And that is still God’s enduring promise: Because Christ has arisen, Christians too, will arise.

This wonderful news changes how we look at our own death and life. When a Christian nears the end of his time here, there might still be fear and trembling. But he can hold onto this reality: the approaching enemy has long since been conquered!

And then when we watch the body placed in the grave, we know it’s not the end. Christ’s believers will rise again, to live forever.

Compared to eternity, we see that this life is but the blinking of an eye. It is only a preparation for what is yet to come. As long we’re on this earth then, we have a purpose. We’re not here for our own happiness or our own earthly gain. We’re alive to follow Christ and bring honour to him.

Like the first disciples understood so clearly, we must understand: What is this life, if we don’t live it for Christ? Meaningless. What will come of all that we do on earth, if it’s not dedicated to God’s greater glory? Nothing.

But if we seek the risen Christ today, our eternity is more than secure.

***

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:18-26

Prayer: Lord God, my salvation is secure forever because Christ rose from the grave. Help me to be always confident in him, in life and death! Amen.