I Am...the Resurrection!

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”

John 11:25

The finality of death is so drastic.  We are cut off, severed, completely void of all connections.  We deeply grieve the loss of ones we love; and, it’s definitely just as difficult to deal with the death of dreams.  Whatever form death takes, it takes its toll on our hearts.  I know; I’ve experienced all kinds of death.  There’s rarely anything good to be said about death... 

BUT, JESUS!  There’s the exception to the above.  He is the exception to the rule.  He is not just a resurrection sort of guy (as in having been raised to life again).  He IS the RESURRECTION.  I love this statement: 

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54).  That’s the concept of resurrection in a nutshell.  The full impact of resurrection stated simply in six words. 

Don’t get me wrong.  Grieving is a good emotion.  It’s the bridge we cross as we process death.  We all must pass over that bridge.  However, without the good news that Jesus is The Resurrection, we’d jump off the bridge.  There has to be hope on the other side; and, there is!  Not just hope, but unconquerable victory.  Joy leaping, song singing, heels clicking new life.  We call that new life:  HEAVEN.  And, it’s heaven, because THE RESURRECTION, Jesus, is present, in His fullness, in front of our eyes.  At last, we see Him.  At last, all becomes clear (no more staring at life as in a mirror dimly).  No more sorrow.  No more pain.  No more death.

Hearing those words in the midst of the process of grieving doesn’t feel hopeful.  Being reminded of this truth about Jesus, while we hurt, doesn’t help.  Truth in the midst of pain is trite.  Nothing more than a platitude.  So, right now, on this side of the death of a loved one, or the death of a dream, settle this theology in your mind.  Knowing it today (really “knowing” it) will help the process tomorrow. 

Jesus is THE RESURRECTION.

(A)  He is THE RESURRECTION  +  (B)  I am ALIVE FOREVERMORE in Him  =  (C)  Joy in the midst of loss.