“42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly (1 Corinthians 15:42-49 NASB).”
There is much to unpack in this passage of Scripture. I cannot elaborate on all that Paul talks about given the format of this letter. As I read these verses, there is one pronouncement that the Holy Spirit spoke, clearly to me through this exhortation by the Apostle Paul.
These verses, and really the entirety of 1 Corinthians 15, proclaim confidence in the Lordship of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus has the power to save. He is the first born of the dead; the last Adam, the only One in whom we can find life, eternal. He has the authority to bring hope to the perishable. He alone holds the capacity to raise the weak, making them strong. He gives honor to those who are dishonored, mercy to the meek. He pours out His love, unconditionally, to those cry out for a Savior. He gives His peace to the broken, offering them rest. He imparts upon us, His righteousness making us a people who bear His image. We are a testimony of His legacy of redemption and hope to a world that is suffering.
Have confidence, therefore, and know that He is our God (Psalm 46:10). He is with us! He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6). He gives us this promise so that we can confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper, and I will not be afraid (Hebrews 13:6). “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3).” Brothers and Sisters, we dwell in the pasture of a King reigning over an eternal Kingdom!
As the prophet Isaiah writes in this promise that is for now as well as for a time that is yet to come.
“15 Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high,
And the wilderness becomes a fertile field,
And the fertile field is considered as a forest.
16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness
And righteousness will abide in the fertile field.
17 And the work of righteousness will be peace,
And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever
18 Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation,
And in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places (Isaiah 32:15-18 NASB).”
This promise is for now because we are indwelt by His Spirit of Righteousness. He has set a place for us at His table and He offers us rest in our time of distress (Psalm 23). Yet this promise is also for a time to come as we look forward to the day when the King of Peace will crack the sky with a trumpet blast declaring final victory over the enemies of righteousness. Hallelujah, praise to our King! We are His now and forever! Have confidence and be at peace, because He is our God, AMEN!
Corby Shuey 