"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By the late Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: 1 Corinthians 15:53-55

 November 24

​"This body that decays must be changed into a body that cannot decay. This mortal body must be changed into a body that will live forever. When this body that decays is changed into a body that cannot decay, and this mortal body is changed into a body that will live forever, then the teaching of Scripture will come true: “Death is turned into victory! Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?” -Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:53-55 (GW)

​Most of us have trouble imagining what our resurrected body will look like or even contemplating a process that could transform our current limited earth bound existence into one where we can fly free of earthly limitations. Paul uses metaphors of seeds dying and being transformed into new plants to explain this process. Yet we can't see this happening. However, God has graced us with the process of metamorphosis to explain our future transformation into a resurrection body. For as we watch the miracle of a caterpillar weaving its own tomb and being transformed into a beautiful butterfly, we can anticipate a similar process happening after death to us. Our present body is perishable but a resurrection body is imperishable and unlimited by natural laws. This doesn't mean we are infallible but our new body will be superior to our present body. Our Spiritual Body will never be weak, sick, or die.

​Because Christ rose from the dead, he is now a life-giving Spirit. Because Jesus entered into a new form of existence, he is now the source of your eternal life that will result in your resurrection. Christ's resurrection body suits his new life just as Adam's human body suited his earthly life. When we are resurrected, God will also give us a transformed body suited to a new eternal life. We all face limitations here on earth including physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Some may be blind or deaf but can know God's Good News. We may have lost mobility but can move in God's love. Our imperfections are only temporary. Paul assures us we will be given new resurrection bodies if we know and trust Christ. Your new body will be perfect, without defect, never die, or be sick. This awesome fact can offer you infinite hope when confronting death!

​Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for the reality of resurrection. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: God transforms the dying to the living.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Fall Renewal (Volume 3) Paperback – August 23, 2017 by Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson (Author)