But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? — MARK 12:26
Jesus resurrected Lazarus. He Himself resurrected from the dead. After this, many saints resurrected. He also promised His disciples that He would raise them from the dead to His heavenly home. The resurrection of Christ is our great hope!
Eternity is written within us as human beings. Within our hearts we carry the knowledge that life as we know it is not all that there is. There is life after death. Even pagan religions offer credence to this understanding by the way they bury their dead.
Jesus spoke about the afterlife as He answered a tricky question from the Sadducees, who rejected the resurrection of the dead. Jesus recited what the Lord had said to Moses, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” God declared that He was still the God of these men, although they had died hundreds of years before. This proved Jesus’ point: there is a resurrection.
Jesus resurrected Lazarus. He Himself resurrected from the dead. After this, many saints resurrected. He also promised His disciples that He would raise them from the dead to His heavenly home. The resurrection of Christ is our great hope!
Sadly, not everybody dies with this hope. I recently witnessed what is actually a common practice in Catholic countries. When they bury their dead, there is an absolute lack of certainty about the destiny of the individual. No mention of resurrection. No joy. No peace.
The resurrection, however, gives meaning to our lives and comfort in death. It tells us that there is reward after death; therefore, the present matters. What a consolation to know that we can face death with certainty, joy, and peace; for, it is through Christ and the resurrection that this weak, earthly life will become an eternal and celestial perfect life. Give thanks today for the hope of Christ’s resurrection.