Physical resurrection from death? Is that possible? Many think not, and consequently live with a very shallow and impotent faith. But those who were closest to the scene believed differently, and because of that they experienced a power and presence far beyond the memory of some past event. Here are several passages from Paul’s writing on the subject.

Prayer

Lord of Easter, come and raise my heart from death and despair to hope and new life. Fill me with your resurrection spirit that I may live fully and freely in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Paul thought of himself as the least of all apostles, because he first persecuted the church. And his encounter with Jesus was later than the others, and more brief than the others. But that encounter changed his life! And not only his, but many others … over 500 others after Jesus’ death on a cross. How has the power and presence of the resurrected Jesus Christ changed your life?

Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Potent passage: what does Paul say about our hope in Christ if we do not believe in the resurrection from the dead? This is unique to the Christian faith – the living God who becomes human, lays down life for all creation, and is raised from the dead to live again. This gives all of creation hope!

Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

So Paul plays on the image of Adam and Eve. They were the first of God’s creation. Through them, the species started, and the species failed. But Jesus comes as a second Adam to create the possibility of life anew. And in time, all will be aligned in harmony with Jesus Christ. How does that give you hope for today?

Thursday – 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

If there is no life after death, then Hitler won. He accumulated all the wealth and power and notoriety one can imagine, and didn’t face any consequences for his choices. We should all eat, drink, and be merry for death is merely an escape from life. But if there is life beyond where wrongs are righted and wounds are healed, then everything changes. With that in mind, how will you live today?

Friday – 1 Corinthians 15:35-49

This is deep and the influence of Greek philosophy is evident. There is distinction between the natural or physical and the divine or spiritual. If God created the first creation, God is certainly capable of creating all things new. While we are short on details in this life, I imagine the next life will fanfabulous!

Saturday – 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

This is one of my favorites. Some were concerned that their loved ones were dying before Jesus returned. But Paul believes that this means of passage we call death is God’s tool for recreating us with immortality – life eternal. So death no longer intimidates us. One who is ready to die is truly free to live! Therefore, we live fully and freely with God’s gift of life eternal. How does that free you to live fully today?