Lets Rise

1 Corinthians 15:12 (RSV) ¹²Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

There is a jazz piece by a one hit wonder named Chuck Majione, entitled simply “Rise.” I play it when my spirits are low; it never fails to make me smile. It reminds me of the promised resurrection all Christians shall one day experience. Our biological life forces may ebb and finally be extinguished, but our spirits (spiritual bodies to be precise) will rise.

If we view the passing of time as a winding down of life itself, we are out of touch with reality. Truth is, the finality of death is highly overrated. We shall rise.

We may torture ourselves with periods of agnosticism or even skepticism concerning what will happen to us the moment after our death, but for those in Christ it is less than a pause before a new and eternal day. If we replace doubt with a living hope, our lives (right now) will change. I was recently attended a “retirement planning seminar” offered by our Board of Pensions. Even though I am five years away from retirement, I am told to “look to the future” and “plan for the future.” I find both statements ridiculous. No one knows what the next moment holds, how can you plan for what is essentially a mystery. What we plan for is our view of the future, which is at best a guess.

What if we viewed the future with the certainty of two events – our death, followed immediately by our resurrection to eternal life? Would the reality of Heaven change how you view time? Would it alter your plans for this day or this year? Would you not be wise to store up treasures in Heaven (good deeds which bring God glory) rather than treasures on earth (which bring you pleasure and glory)?

Be near me, Lord, when dying;

O show thy cross to me;

And, for my succour flying,

Come, Lord to set me free;

These eyes, new faith receiving,

From thee shall never move;

For he who dies believing

Dies safely through thy love.

Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153)