READ | 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
REFLECT
Christianity is a realistic religion. It’s realistic because it doesn’t pretend that suffering and death aren’t real things. As Christians we accept that death was introduced into the world through the sin of one man, Adam.
But Christianity is also a hopeful religion. We have the great hope that resurrection—new bodily life!—has also been introduced by one man, Jesus. Because he resurrected from the dead, so will all those who belong to him. More and more resurrection fruit!
Reflect on your past week. Where do you feel like you have “fallen asleep”? What in your life has felt dead or lifeless? Hopeless or fruitless? Once you can name a few of those…
ASK
Invite Jesus into those “fallen asleep” places in your life. Ask him to be present with his resurrection power to breathe new life into you today.
Contributed by Rodger Otero, Associate Pastor