George T. Gross, Jr.

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

OUR KING GUARANTEES OUR RESURRECTION

It seems hard to imagine that any Christian would say that there is no resurrection from the dead.  That is what some in the Corinthian congregation were saying. “If it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection from the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:12).  In their “wisdom”, the resurrection didn’t make sense. They wondered, “How are the dead raised?  With what kind of body will they come?” (15:35).  If it didn’t make sense to them, then it must not happen.  Sadly, many churches have given in to this kind of thinking today.

But if the resurrection of the dead doesn’t happen, what are we Christians doing? We’re wasting our time.  You might as well set down this devotion.  If the resurrection doesn’t happen, then Jesus didn’t rise from the dead.  And if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, “our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (15:14).  We are “false witnesses” (15:15).  Our faith is “futile” (15:17).  Those “who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost” (15:18).  We are the most pitiful of all people. (15:19). Indeed!

But you are reading this devotion.  You have recognized and believe that without Jesus (or if he were still dead), you remain broken and without hope.  But Jesus lives. Sweet news, he lives! That means you do have hope. Not all is lost for you.  You will rise from the dead and live forever in heaven.

The apostle Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (15:20).  In Old Testament times, the first of nearly everything was to be dedicated to the Lord.  Firstfruits belonged to the Lord.  But the firstfruits were also a reminder that the rest of the harvest was coming.  You couldn’t harvest the firstfruits of the wheat if the entire wheat field wasn’t near harvest.

Jesus already rose from the dead.  More will rise from the dead.  If this world is around long enough for you to die, you will be among those who rise from the dead.  Your living King, Jesus, is the guarantee.  Keep trusting Jesus.  Keep reading devotions.  Tell others.

Lord, you made me yours and promised to raise me from the dead.  Help me stay with you.  Amen.

Interment at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring Street, Union Grove, Wisconsin on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 9:00 AM.