DAY 237: FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

Read: Job 19; Psalm 16; Psalm 17; Daniel 12; Mark 12: 27

In case you were wondering what the unequivocal statement of the Bible is regarding the resurrection of the dead - the Bible, in both testaments, promises that the dead will rise.

Before we unpack all that this means for us, let’s take a brief look at what the Old Testament says about the dead rising. Our main Scripture for today was spoken by Hannah, the mother of Samuel. She clearly had the hope of a future resurrection. 

A very well-known reference to a future resurrection of not just human beings, but of Jesus himself, was said by Job: For I know my Redeemer lives and he shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God. What an incredible verse. Job clearly had a strong belief in a personal resurrection that was closely linked to his belief in a personal Redeemer. 

A number of Psalms, some of them Messianic, speak of a bodily resurrection. For example, Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your holy one to see corruption.

Let’s look at one final example of Old Testament teaching on the resurrection, this time from the book of Daniel. And many of those who sleep in the dust shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. This amazing verse might just as well have been spoken directly out of the mouth of Jesus Himself. 

It's very important that we lay the understanding that resurrection of the dead is not purely a New Testament teaching but is fundamental to the worldview that the Lord has always given His people – from the very beginning. This is, of course, because He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. Think deeply about that. You are so accustomed to death, but God is not. He is always moving to life.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to understand that death is so foreign to you.