Jesus’ Resurrection
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
When Jesus called for the stone covering Lazarus’ grave to be removed, Martha objected: “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days” (John 11:39). We all know it, even if we have never experienced it: dead bodies decay. They produce a distinctive foul odor. They eventually dissolve and turn to dust.
But all that will change when Jesus returns and calls all His departed believers to rise from their graves and join those saints who are still alive as they all meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Then and forever thereafter there will be no corruption. As Paul indicates: “The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. … And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man” (1 Corinthians 15:42, 49).
What a marvelous life we will then live! “There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things (will) have passed away!” (Revelation 21:4). Our bodies will no longer face cancer or heart disease or any illness of any kind! There will be no more glasses, or hearing aids, or canes, or walkers! All those things will be in the past, never to be considered again!
Whereas Jesus must warn us of moth, rust, and thieves in this world (Matthew 6:20), He will have no need to do so in the next, for our risen Savior will walk among us bringing us light, life, joy, and supreme happiness! My dear friends, Jesus’ resurrection will lead to a change to incorruptibility! One can hardly wait!
Then take comfort and rejoice, for His members Christ will cherish.
Fear not, they will hear His voice; dying they shall never perish;
For the very grave is stirred when the trumpet’s blast is heard. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 206:8