Saturday, May 23, 2026

Scripture

“We also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence.” 2 Corinthians 4:13c-14

Reflections

How confident are you that you will be spending eternity with God?

The followers of Islam look to God as if God is holding a balance scale.  If your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, you might have a chance at paradise.  If your bad deeds outweigh your good deeds, you’re in trouble.  Even the followers of Islam pray regularly that Muhammed himself might enter paradise.  For them, there is no assurance of salvation.

Our culture teaches us that “good people go to heaven and bad people go to hell”.  If that’s the case, which are you?  Martin Luther, in the 1500’s, wrestled with this over and over.  He was deeply aware of his own sinfulness.  Even if he were able to go through the motions of a perfect godly man, he knew that his thoughts were less than pure.  How can an unholy man stand in the presence of a holy God?

But this is the very essence of the Christian message.  Jesus rose from the dead to give us assurance.  We trust that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with him.

We do not fear what comes after death.  We look forward to it.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the assurance that comes from knowing Jesus has been raised from the dead.  Keep my eyes open to the opportunities to share that good news with others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18