What are your thoughts on resurrection? Is it something you ever think about? In a strictly literal sense, resurrection is restoration of life for one who was dead. Biblical examples include the prophet Elijah raising a widow’s son. This account specifically says, “The LORD heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him and he lived.” (1 Kings 17:17-24 NIV).
The Gospels record three resurrections by Jesus—two young people, and the third, His own close companion, Lazarus (Luke 7:11-17; Luke 8:49-56; John 11:1-44).
For each of those people, resurrection brought a totally new orientation to life. The insight borne from the death-to-life experience hopefully shifted priorities and pursuits for them. They were literally handed more life, more years, more opportunities. What did they do with it?
Jesus’ resurrection stands alone for several reasons. In our celebrations each spring, we embrace its unique provisions. And we cling to the promise of our own resurrection at His return. However, halting at physical, literal resurrection removes our great advantage to live out a resurrected life daily.
One joyful sense of resurrection for disciples of Jesus is intertwined with a fuller understanding of eternal life, which He came to bring. We, too, have been handed more life, more years, more opportunities to discover and intentionally experience life from a different vantage point; from that of a dearly loved child of God (John 1:12) with hopes that reach beyond the grave and bear influence on daily actions.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 (NIV) says, “God…saved us and called us to a holy life…by his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the good news.”
In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul explains “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4 NIV).
At Faith Comes By Hearing, we are committed to record and provide Audio Scriptures containing the invitation of resurrected life for those who still need it. Then they, too, can choose more life, more years, more opportunities to live as dearly loved children of God. Want to join us in our quest? Learn more here.
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