Apr 24th | Life After Life After Death
This weekend during our Easter services we re-affirmed an oft lost, but critical element in our theology about eternal life: Life after life after death. That is, life beyond the afterlife. That is, a glorified, restored, body and world following the spiritual existence we look forward to immediately following our physical death. Seem wacky? It’s not. It’s Biblical and it was demonstrated, affirmed and begun that very first “Easter!”
1 Cor 15 refers to Jesus’ resurrection as the first-fruit…the first of many made alive again after death.
Interestingly, there was no precedent for this sort of return to life. Yes, every historic culture throughout time made room in their religion for an afterlife, but not even their mythological figures came BACK to the physical world. And there was a good reason nobody believed such a thing: Nobody ever came back! Until Jesus.
There are a lot of theories regarding Jesus body leaving the tomb, but the least likely, the theory that made the least sense to embrace, the story with the least hope of sticking was resurrection. In fact, the only explanation for this far-reaching choice: It quite simply, happened.
Jesus introduced life after life-after-death. And the kicker is, those in Christ will follow.
After a time in the afterlife with Jesus…no one knows precisely when…Jesus will return to earth and establish his perfect Kingdom with his people and rule and reign a new heaven…right here, physically, on earth. That’s what Jesus resurrection means to the church…his followers: He’s coming back here…with his own. Unbelievable? For too many, and unfortunately, yes.
So, what do we do now? Three things.
Remember why nothing satisfies. Realize that the reason everything loses it’s allure, nothing seems quite right, we have thoughts that there must be something more…is because there is! That we’re actually designed, created and built for a perfect place, a restored place, a God-place and until we’re there, we’ll never feel quite right. (Rom 8:22 speaks to this)
Visit the future everyday. Read God’s word to be reminded of Jesus, God’s future for you, etc. Pray…be with and interact with the Almighty. No one can visit a new country, a new world, go on a Missions trip and come back unchanged. Look to the future, believe in Jesus, hope for God’s eventual restoration.
Invest in what is everlasting. That’s really only 3 things. God’s Word, People and…you. Allow the assurance of Jesus’ resurrection and the promised future to drive your action. Don’t get hung up in this world…enjoy the blessing when they come…but don’t get too attached. Be with God, pour into others. For you, live for the future not for today. Resist temptations, delay gratifications, choose selflessness, give stuff away, speak only encouragements…for all of this prepares you for the work, challenge and life ahead.
Questions:
What’s your favorite get-away or vacation destination?
What do you or did you imagine heaven would be like? Has that changed?
How does life after life after death change the way you live today?
Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
~mike
