SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15-16
“Christ died for our sins…, was buried, was raised…” (1 Corinthians 3-4)
This good news cannot be understood apart from the Big Story of Creation.
God creates the Universe and establishes the Kingdom under God-like Humans.
God-like Humans are deceived, and introduce sin and death into God’s kingdom.
The ‘Christ’ is the promised God-like Human (Genesis 3:15) who crushes the Serpent.
He resists the devil, dies the sinners death, and comes back to life.
In this way, Humanity is saved from the curse of sin and death, and God’s Creation Kingdom is restored.
Jesus will reign (as Adam) until the last Enemy is eliminated – death.
This is good news for me, and you, but also for all people, and all creation.
It is our guarantee that our partnership with Jesus as His disciples will succeed.
As we work to live God-like lives, trusting Jesus and the Spirit, God uses us to spread the good news.
Satan may squirm, evil may resist, but no matter what, Jesus will win, and so will we with Him!
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, boost my spirit with this news. Remind me again today that You are alive, and that my labour is not in vain!
Observation/Application
Once again a reminder of the Gospel. We need the reminder because we tend to forget the gift of life everlasting. Reminders to stay true, walking in the Way, staying alive in Him. Keep our eyes upon Jesus in order to walk with integrity. As God breathed life into Adam in the beginning, so He breathes life into us and one day, life eternal. Until that day, everyday we need to work in His vineyard doing what He desires of us – a living witness – an epistle – to be read by all.
A reminder to stand on a firm foundation, rooted in Him and covered by His love so that His love can be shared by us. Today God Is First and by His love I am able to enjoy this day in the joy of my Lord Who empowers me.
This is the day(2)
That the lord has made(2)
We will rejoice(2)
And be glad in it(2)
This is the day that the lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it…
Take and receive
Take and receive O lord my liberty
Take all my will my mind my memory
Do thou direct and govern all and sway
Do what thou wilt, command and I obey
Only thy grace and love on me bestow
Possessing these all riches I forego
All things I hold and all I own are thine
Thine was the gift to thee I all resign
Do thou direct and govern all and sway
Do what thou wilt, command and I obey