Resurrection Promise

When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

I often have people ask how hard it is to perform a funeral. While it's not something any clergyperson looks forward to, it is an honor and privilege to help others find comfort in the promises of Jesus. With the passing of my mother just a few days ago, my thoughts turn from providing comfort to others to finding that same peace for myself. 

The peace we have to offer and receive comes in Christ's death and resurrection. There is no doubt Jesus died and was placed in a tomb. But that is only part of the story–a necessary part because in the dying, he offered himself as the unblemished sacrifice for our sin, but it's only half the story. Christ didn't remain dead; Jesus defeated death. He snatched away any victory and sting associated with death and, in doing so, left us with the promise of resurrection. Death isn't the end but a new beginning.

As clergy, we listen and provide comfort to the grieving. We are to help those who mourn find peace and healing. But our primary duty is to share the gospel, God's message of love, compassion, mercy, and hope in our resurrection. 

Lord, we thank you for the gift of life and the hope of resurrection. We praise you for your power over sin and death and your victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the promise that you will transform our perishable and mortal bodies into imperishable and immortal ones and that you will swallow up death in victory. We ask you to help us live in the light of this glorious truth and to share it with others who need your grace. We pray that you would comfort those who mourn and that you would wipe away every tear from their eyes. We look forward with great anticipation to that day when we will see you face to face and when we will join you in saying: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

In Memory of Judith Ann Langley, August 5, 1939 – January 8, 2024

Note: I will resume writing the devotions on Tuesday, January 23, 2024