The Difference Resurrection Makes Now

By Jim Howe

Resurrection makes a difference in life today. Resurrection is a comfort when we think of death. It gives hope and assurance. Resurrection mobilizes and motivates Christian living during racial unrest and so we can be empowered to live without fear in the face of Covid19. My college roommate Terry Shultz was diagnosed with the virus and needs our prayers. A young black football player from College of the Siskiyou’s now living in Florida told me recently how scary it is not to know what might happen or how he will be treated if he were pulled over by a police officer.  We have the only message that can heal this wound. A message that values law and justice for all. Paul wrote boldly of the mission to spread the gospel and how resurrection made him take risks previously unimaginable.

“Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:29–34, ESV)

The text begins with the obscure reference to baptizing the dead. We don’t know exactly what Paul had in mind. It is speculated that those who had confessed Christ but had not been baptized were cared for by someone being baptized in their stead. Mormons have picked up the practice but it is not encouraged anywhere else in the New Testament.

Here is the point. Paul basically asked if the resurrection is not a reality then why do he and others in his company risk life and limb to declare Jesus Christ?  Do you see the connection between resurrection hope and attempting it all to further the mission of Christ? Belief in the resurrection is meant not just to give you comfort; it is meant to propel you in Christ’s mission.  When was the last time we risked anything to declare to our friends and family that Christ died, and He is risen so that they might graciously believe and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior?  Rupesh and Susanna our missionaries do it all the time.  Paul did, too.  Resurrection is far more than relief in the face of death; it is motivation to be involved in the mission of Christ to our neighbors. 

Have you considered social distancing and inviting your neighbors over to share a glass of ice tea so that you could tell them that there is more to life that just surviving the pandemic? We can risk a little to reach out, after all Paul went to the lion’s den for the gospel in Ephesus. 

There is a verse in our text that describes so many Americans now. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Hope for the future should make us different. Have we become so cozy in this world that we have become like our neighbors? God warns us, “Bad company ruins good morals.”  Resurrection hope that comes from knowing God leads to a resurrection ethic. If we really know God and believe, then our living by faith should make us bold to declare that Jesus Christ is the hope for America. Our friends and neighbors are watching the news and hoping the politicians, or some political ideology will cure police violence or racial unrest. No, it is Christ who raises the dead that mobilizes us to reach out to other human beings in love and compassion.

So, know God and live as people of light amid dark and hopeless time.  We have the power of God in us when we look to our resurrected Lord Jesus and trust Christ.  That power is for the good of your block, your family, and your city. The world thought Paul was dangerous and a threat to the status quo. All who believe in Jesus Christ and live accordingly are a threat to hatred, violence, and despair.

Father, give us the hope of Jesus Christ and give that hope wings to change the way we speak the gospel truth to our friends. Father, comfort us and more. Make us a comfort to the broken hearted and encouragement to those in despair. Make us less concerned about our comfort and more concerned about your glory and the love for our neighbor. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Blessings, Jim

King and Country, “O God Forgive Us” https://youtu.be/5-lSe4earII