1 Corinthians 15:35-50

Be Still: Lord, thank you for your presence with us now. Thank you for your Word that speaks truth and life. Draw us closer to your heart I pray. Amen.

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:35-50

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (v 42 - 43)

Encounter: I’m a big fan of before-and-after transformations. My Instagram algorithm is captivated by them, whether it’s homes, gardens, gutters, or most recently blocked drains… (strangely satisfying!) There is something deeply satisfying about seeing something worn out being made brand new.

The argument for the resurrection has been rumbling on, and now Paul is facing the 'how' questions. The sceptics in Corinth were asking, 'How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?' They were stuck on the physical limitations of what they could see. Let’s not knock them: there’s validity and rigour in their questions. Paul is describing the mystery of another world unknown to all – except Jesus. We all carry questions.

Paul, in his wisdom, offers a worldly example to explain something of the Kingdom, just as Jesus often did. He takes the example of a seed. They are tiny and shrivelled, but look what they become - bearers of fruit. A seed is planted underground - a symbol of death. Yet from those places comes life. We currently carry the ‘likeness of the earthly man’ (Adam), but we are destined to carry the ‘likeness of the heavenly man’ (Jesus). It’s the ultimate before-and-after transformation. Our earthly bodies couldn’t handle the glory of God that is to come. Through the resurrection, a new spiritual body becomes available to us.

Apply: Do you ever feel the perishable fragility of life? The creaks that inhabit our bodies, the fatigue we feel, the sense of weakness in our situations and circumstances? Be encouraged today that these earthly, fragile bodies and situations are not the end. We are instead seeds with heavenly potential, who may feel weak, but have God’s power working in us for eternal life.

Devote: We thank you God that there is more, that this life is not the end. We pray for those who are frail and feel like that are failing today – strengthen them. Encourage us with the hope of all that is to come. Remind us, Lord, of your glory.