ETERNAL LIFE (09-25-13)

Luke 9:22

“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected… and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

It is a fact that we are men of flesh.  Therefore, it is only true that we shall experience suffering, rejection and death.  Even the Son of God has gone through all of these human emotions – crying, laughing, depression, suffering and death.  But unlike most of us, Jesus looked beyond the cross in accepting His fate.  For it is the resurrection that would fulfill all the promises of God and give us our salvation.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead not only demonstrated the truth of His teaching, but the value of His death.  It proved Him to be the Son of God.  It transformed discouraged and disbelieving disciples into fearless preachers of the gospel.  That element was the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave.

Indeed, death is really the path that opens the way to this wonderful place, called Heaven.  If we live here on earth forever, we would never have an opportunity to shed this sinful state.  But God wants us to have a new body, and He wants us to dwell with Him forever.

We should look beyond suffering and death.  Those who put their trust in Christ as Savior have a wonderful hope—they can spend eternity with the Lord in a place where there will be no more death.  In suffering, there is joy.  In death, there is eternal life.

Let us pray +

O Risen Lord, the way, the truth and the life, make us faithful followers
of the spirit of your resurrection.  Grant that we may be inwardly renewed; dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us.  Use us as your instruments for the renewal of society, bring your life and love to all
and leading them to your Church.  This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever.  Amen +

Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.