Today's Reading:O.T. - 1 Samuel 15 - 16
N.T. - 1 Corinthians 15
Focus Verses:
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Insight:
If Jesus Christ did not raise from the grave -- if the resurrection story is just a myth or wishful thinking, then Christianity is a sham. Apart from the resurrection, faith and preaching is worthless and the apostles are misled at best and liars at worst. Without the resurrection, there is no deliverance from sin and all who have died with faith in Christ are lost. But Christ has been raised from the dead! The testimony of scripture, history, the church, and of changed lives all point to the veracity of Christ's resurrection.
Response and Action:
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus - my faith matters. I believe it, so the study of scripture and learning as a disciple of Jesus are vital. I believe in the resurrection, so I have hope of something beyond my mortal life. I believe in resurrection power, so I have hope of transformation and renewal in my life today. I have hope that the world can change through faith and obedience to Christ. I believe in the resurrection, so I have hope of salvation. I want to see others find that same hope and salvation.
O God, thank you for raising Christ Jesus from the dead. Thank you that resurrection power is available to me today as I surrender to you (Romans 8). Help me to take hold of that power that I might be changed into the likeness Jesus in thought, word, and deed. Thank you for your promise to raise me on the final day, that I might spend eternity with you and all those who have believed in Jesus. Help me to be a witness and a blessing to everyone around me that others might come to salvation and be raised into a new life and a new hope. I look for the resurrection and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Proverbs: 27:12
"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it."
Resources:
Resurrection
by N.T. Wright
