1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT) - “It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.”
The Bible talks about creation being frustrated because of its “bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21). Think of trying to swim while being strapped to a ten pound weight. You may be able to stay afloat for a while, but eventually, inevitably, it will drag you down. Or think of the frustration that accompanies our efforts to change our diets…watching our cholesterol, monitoring our sugar levels, avoiding all tree nuts, fleeing any traces of gluten, cutting out carbs, etc. We’re trying to stave off the inevitable… decay and degeneration. At times it can be exasperating-thank God for cheat days, vegan substitutes and medical innovations!
We could mention many things that provoke frustration in our physical existence-injury, sickness, disease, violence, effects of injustice, mistakes, accidents or poor choices, etc. But in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed… transformed… ready to inhabit a new heaven and new earth (cf. G. Ladd, The Last Things, p. 83). It is not simply to escape or to forget our past struggles and pain… but everything will be thoroughly redeemed and transformed… all wrongs being made right!
Read the following poem and spend time writing your own response (in 100 words or less) to this question: Why do you need the Resurrection?
I need the Resurrection
because my sister is sick
and can’t afford insurance,
because I’ve told a weeping Haitian mom,
“No, I can’t take your son home with me.”
because I’ve been rushed off a Jerusalem street
so a robot could blow up a bag that could’ve blown up us.
because I’ve exploded
in rage
and watched their tiny faces cloud with hurt.
because evil is pervasive
and I participate.
I need the Resurrection
because it promises
that in the end
all wrongs are made right.
Death loses.
Hope triumphs.
And Life and Love
Prevail.
(Kara Root)
-JP
