(The following is the July 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Corinthians 15 and pay close attention to verses 42-58.)
We give most of our attention to things happening in the present. We may not often ponder what will happen after we die. While we shouldn’t devote the majority of our time to the task, it is appropriate for Christians to think about that marvelous time to come. Paul’s description of our resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15 helps us do that. That is why we regularly hear portions of the text at funerals.
We know our body’s limitations and weaknesses. Youngsters may feel invincible, but those who have lived many years understand their physical frailty. Paul’s words give hope about our coming resurrection bodies: “Sown in corruption, raised in incorruption; sown in dishonor, raised in glory; sown in weakness, raised in power; sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body” (vv. 42-44).
Christians should take great comfort in these words: “Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For this corruptible body must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (vv. 51-57).
Be encouraged, believers, with these assurances, and serve the Lord faithfully until he gives us eternal glorified bodies.
Next Step:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and reread 1 Corinthians 15:42-58. Praise God for his promise of a perfect resurrected body for eternity.
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