The apostle Paul traveled a lot, spoke a lot, and wrote a lot. What did he say was the most important thing he handed to others? In 1 Corinthians 15:3, he proclaims “of first importance” the death, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances of Christ.
We talk a lot about the resurrection during the Easter season, but although it is the shaping influence on our lives, we don’t name it often during the rest of the year. I remember what happened one winter Sunday when our pastor chose for the opening hymn “Christ, the Lord, is Risen Today.” Several of us—oops, including me—asked her if that was a typographical error. After all, it was winter, so why would we be singing that Easter hymn? After reading this week’s focal text, I think the apostle Paul would agree with our pastor’s hymn selection!
Death is often seen as the ultimate enemy of life, but what if death does not have the final word? Paul describes it as the difference between perishable and imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42). Dishonor vs. glory (v. 46). Humiliation vs. splendor (v. 43, Goodspeed translation), Disfigured vs. beautiful (v, 43, Twentieth Century NT translation), Weak vs. full of strength (v. 43, Taylor translation).
In living my life, according to which of these extremes do I live? Do I live as if Christ is still in the tomb? How would my choices be different if I lived in the truth of the resurrection?
Suppose you are watching a World Series baseball game on television. Your favorite team is playing. This is Game Seven, and the winner takes all. The score is tied, and you get nervous as the game goes into extra innings. Your phone rings, and hesitantly you answer. The caller is your good friend. He is calling you to celebrate with you how your team has won the championship. “But it’s not over,” you scream. “Oh, yes; it is!” your friend replies; the game is over. You must be watching a taped recording of the game. You won!”
Yes. The victory is already won. The resurrection of Jesus Christ has already occurred. It is always in the present tense. We don’t have to wait to see how it turns out. Let’s live our lives now knowing that the game is over and Christ Jesus won!
