Today’s Reading: John 5:24-30
Today’s Verse: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5:28-29 KJV
The photo you see is an ancient painting called Anastasis. It means “resurrection.”
It represents Christ’s victory over death.
It shows the Lord Jesus, alive and out of the tomb.
It shows Him pulling Adam and Eve out of their coffins.
It shows other children of God acknowledging Him.
How they all were being prepared to follow Him to eternal life.
The Scriptures have told us that there would be a day when He will call all believers into a new and glorified existence.
It tells us, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:28-29 KJV).
Christ has victory over death. The grave is not our final destination.
We will naturally feel sorrow and grief when those we love pass away.
None of us want to be separated from our loved ones.
He has said: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 KJV).
Our peace comes in knowing we will see them again.
Death is not the end.
The Bible tells us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV).
There will be a variety of glories among them.
At the resurrection, their bodies will be made fit to be forever united with spirits made perfect.
With God all things are possible.
He is the Author and Source of spiritual life and holiness. By His Holy Spirit we are changed (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 KJV).
While we yet live, we must continue to live according to the Word.
It is the source of our strength.
And when it comes to missing our loved ones remember this one thing.
The Bible tells us, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV).
No man knows the day or the hour He will appear.
But we want to be ready.
How wonderful it will be to see Jesus and our loved ones.
What a day of rejoicing that will be.
When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.
Because our Savior is alive, we too shall live.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Savior, in You we find comfort regarding a fear of death. Your sacrifice made it possible for us to live a good life. It paved the way for us an everlasting good life with You when You call us home. Thank You for sacrificing Your life for our sins so that we might live. Death will be no more. Every day will be a day of rejoicing and praising Your name. We are thankful that You died and rose again. Thank You for giving us life.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen