But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Cor. 15:20-26
Exalted and resurrected Lord Jesus, with hearts full and hands raised we shout with joy, “The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!” You didn’t lie or exaggerate. The cross is empty. The tomb is empty. Death is done. Satan crushed. Hopelessness is out of work. Despair is sent packing. Condemnation is condemned. Brokenness is fixin’ to become unbroken. O glad and glorious day of resurrection wonder!
Jesus, because you’ve been raised from the dead, preaching the gospel is not useless, it’s essential. Faith in you is not futile, but fertile. We’re no longer encased in our sins, we’re fully wrapped in your righteousness. Those who’ve “gone to sleep” in you are not slumbering in a void, they are celebrating in glory. Hallelujah!
Because you have been raised from the dead, we are less to be pitied than anybody and more to be grateful than everybody (1 Cor. 15:14-19). Everything has changed and everything is changing. You are the firstfruits and guarantee of a whole new order—the “new creation” dominion of redemption and restoration. The decay in our earthly bodies will give way to the delights of our resurrection bodies. Hard stories will be redeemed. Hot tears will be wiped. Hallelujah!
Jesus, because you’ve been raised from the dead, the kingdom of this world has already become, and will be fully manifest as, “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (Rev. 11:15). You’re already reigning, and you will reign forever and ever. All evil dominions, wicked authorities, and malevolent powers have already been defeated by you, and one Day will be completely eradicated by you. Hallelujah!
Jesus, your death is the death of death, and your resurrection is the resurrection of all things. Oh, the wonder, the glory, the grace of it all! In light of this great hope and because this gospel is true, free us from the pettiness and emptiness of simply living for ourselves. May your compelling love propel us to live for you, for you died for us and have been raised again (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Again we shout even louder, “The Lord is risen. He is risen indeed!” So very Amen we pray, in your treasured and triumphant name.
No comments:
Post a Comment