Unfortunately, the news has been inundated with the tragic news of two more mass shootings this week, bringing the number of mass shootings so far this year in America to 83. The first shooting this week was the second shooting at a Dallas area high school within a year.
The second shooting was on the campus of FSU at the student union building. These senseless tragedies have occurred during Holy Week and are a harsh reminder that we live in a temporary and fallen world:
- Violent
- Selfish
- Unloving
- Greedy
Death and suffering are part of the curse that came after the fall of mankind (Genesis 3:14-19). The Bible is clear our earthly bodies and this world will both die (Genesis 3:19, Job 4:19, Romans 5:120). This world, like our bodies, is temporary and will one day fade away (1 John 2:15-17).
Our only hope is that God will redeem the world and resurrect His people (Isaiah 26:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:14). That is why we and all creation await the resurrection (Isaiah 65:17, Romans 8:19).
What Is Resurrection
Most of us understand the concept of resurrection and its connection to new life. Resurrection is defined as “The state of one risen from the dead or the rising of Christ from the dead; the rising again to life of all the human dead before the final judgment.”
Resurrection is both spiritual and physical because we can die both physically and spiritually in this world. This weekend I took a bike ride to an area lake that was hit by Hurricane Helene last year. Seven months later there are already signs of life filling the devastated landscape.
This physical resurrection is a foretaste of what’s to come and symbolic of spiritual resurrection that occurs in us once we come to Jesus (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24). I have personally experienced spiritual and physical resurrection since the accident that took my life almost 30 years ago. It is by God’s grace and power that I am in better health than most people my age.
The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of resurrection for the people of God (Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:6). A basic principle of Christianity is we must die to ourselves daily and receive new life in Christ (Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24).
The symbolism of baptism is we are raised to new life in Christ and the old has passed away (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12). The New Testament writers are clear on the future resurrection of the dead in Christ and the new world to come (1 Corinthians 15:13-37, Philippians 3:11, Colossians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, 1 Peter 1:3; 3:21). The apostles remembered their Jewish education about resurrection.
Tequmah
the Old Testament tells us ever since the fall in the garden, this world and the human race have been in decay and one day will perish for good (Isaiah 24:4-6, Hosea 4:3, Joel 1:10-12, Zephaniah 1:2-3).
The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for resurrection is Tequmah, and it can also mean, “To rise up or stand up,” depending on the context it is used in.
This temporary world and its pleasure have been destined for destruction regardless of what man, government or false prophets do to try and save it. God’s people have known for thousands of years He will destroy it one day and only He can resurrect it (Isaiah 55:8; 66:22).
One of the surest teachings of Judaism is God will raise the dead to be judged, Techiyat HaMaitim precedes the messianic era as God raises up those who have died. The Pharisees and Sadducees clashed over the belief that God will resurrect the dead despite doing it before:
- The widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
- Son of Shunamite woman (2 Kings 4:18-37)
- Man raised from Eliza’s tomb (2 Kings 13:21)
- Dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1- 14)
Jesus Himself taught about the resurrection before He died and was resurrected by God (Matthew 11:20-24, Luke 20:27, John 5:29; 6:39). It was Jesus who raised Lazarus from the grave before Palm Sunday (John 11:1-44.)
Even when Jesus died on the cross, people arose from the grave (Matthew 27:52-53). The New Testament shares stories of the disciples and Paul raising people from the grave (Acts 9:36-41; 14:19-20; 20:7-12).
Jesus predicted His own death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23, Luke 9:22, John 2:19-22).
Easter
As we celebrate Easter today, we understand Jesus conquered the grave when He was resurrected as was prophesized (Psalm 22:16-18, Hosea 6:2, Acts 2:31, 1 Corinthians 15:55). Now we understand why it was good that Jesus left this world.
Jesus’ resurrection shows God’s power over death and this fallen world. We must die to ourselves so that we can be raised to new life with Jesus on the day of the great resurrection (Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:6).
Easter is a spiritual and physical victory over this fallen kingdom that will end because of sin:
- Greed
- Pride
- Deception
- Murder
Once we understand the beauty of Easter and being “In Christ” death no longer scares us. Although the outer man is perishing, the new man is born (Isaiah 40:31, 2 Corinthians 4:16). Easter is the manifestation of our hope.
This is why it is foolish to settle for a temporary kingdom that will not last, through Jesus, our victories over this life and our reward is heaven. That is by God’s people can look forward to being raised up on Techiyat HaMaitim!
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