Because He Lives
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
In worship services around the world, Christians have often sung these words: "Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; because he lives, all fear is gone; because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives." In today's verse the apostle Paul expresses the same thought: Because of Jesus' resurrection we have every reason to live life to the fullest.
Of course, that's easier said than done. Sometimes we wonder about the truth. Sometimes we doubt. So many things in life can shake us up, and sometimes our everyday struggles have a way of moving us away from the Savior, keeping us from experiencing his presence.
Still, the risen Savior gives his power and peace to help us stand firm in spite of setbacks in our lives.
Just this past year I heard an eighth-grade student speak of the power of Jesus in his life. He has spent his entire life in a wheelchair because of a debilitating disease. But he said, "Some people see me at school, or at the movies, or shopping, and they think, 'Why isn't he walking?' They might feel sad. But I don't feel sad, because I feel happy every day. Jesus has given me kind friends. God has blessed me!" This young boy has experienced the power of Jesus' resurrection, a power that's ours for the asking!
Father in heaven, may we all experience the power of the risen Savior. For his name’s sake, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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