Thursday, November 19, 2015
2 Timothy 1:12 I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
THE RESURRECTION: THERE'S NO DOUBT IT WILL HAPPEN!
Once upon a time a road construction crew was laying down a new asphalt pavement for a highway leading out of town. To alert passing motorists they put up a sign on the city's edge. It read: "No thoroughfare beyond the cemetery." That is the creed of the wise of the world as they travel down the road of life. Because they go by what their senses tell them, by what their eyes see, they believe there's nothing beyond the cemetery. When the earthly remains of a deceased person is carried by a hearse to its burial plot and lowered into the ground, it's the end of line for that person. So they think.
How different it is for those made wise for salvation in Christ. We have a different perspective, graciously given to us by God the Holy Spirit. Since we have been united by faith with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life, we are triumphantly certain that we don't really die when we die. Our souls are ushered by angels to be with Jesus. When our Savior returns on the great resurrection day He will bring us with Him and reunite our resurrected bodies with our souls. He will receive us, and all whom He redeemed from death to be His at the cost of His blood, into His presence to experience eternal pleasures at His right hand.
When we die, dear Savior, When we die, dear Savior,
Grant, we pray, On that day
That from sorrow Thou wilt lead in mercy
To the joy before Thy throne forever.
At Thy side, Glorified,
Oh, may we ever praise Thee! Amen.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 603:4)
