Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through 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 he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
Dear Lord Jesus, I offer a three-fold “Indeed!” and a three-fold “Hallelujah!” early this morning. You HAVE been raised from the dead! Preaching the gospel is not useless, it’s essential. Faith in you is not futile, but fertile. We’re no longer encased in our sins, we’re fully wrapped in your righteousness. Those who have “gone to sleep” in you are not slumbering in the void, they are savoring your resurrection glory. We are LESS to be pitied than anybody, and MORE to be grateful than everybody. (1 Corinthians 15:14-19)
Because you have been raised from the dead, everything changes, Jesus. You are the firstfruits and guarantee of a whole new order—the “new creation” dominion of redemption and restoration. The decay in our earthly bodies will give way to the delights of our resurrection bodies. The kingdom of this world has already become, and will be fully manifest, as the kingdom of our God and of you, his Christ. You are already reigning, and you will reign forever and ever. All evil dominions, wicked authorities and malevolent powers have already been defeated by you and, one Day, will be completely eradicated by you.
Jesus, your death is the death of death, and your resurrection is the resurrection of all things. Oh the wonder… the glory… the grace! In light of this non-hype hope… because this gospel is true, free me and my friends from the pettiness and emptiness of living for ourselves. Because of your compelling love, show us how to live for you… for you died for us and have been raised again! (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Again, I shout it… a threefold “Indeed!” and a threefold “Hallelujah!” So very Amen, I pray, in your to-be-treasured and transforming name.
