What we have to look forward to

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Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Living with joy”

Our Bible verse for today: “He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.” Philippians 3:21 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “What we have to look forward to.”

Death is the ultimate enemy, right? At least, that’s what we human beings tend to believe. Humans naturally fear death – our own death and the death of our loved ones. Maybe especially the death of our loved ones. The most intense and heartbreaking emotional pain any of us experience in this lifetime is the death of a loved one. That may be the biggest joy-stealer of all and the grief from it can last a long time.

However, a proper understanding about what lies on the other side of death goes a long way towards softening the blow. Losing a loved one still hurts, but knowing he or she is in heaven and that one day we will see that person again helps to lessen the sting of death – a little. The Apostle Paul wrote about this truth multiple times in various letters, including here in Philippians 3:21. (Yes, here in this letter of joy he wrote about the joy that awaits us on the other side of death.)

What we learn here is that although the human body is suited perfectly for life on this planet, it will have to be transformed for eternity in the spiritual realm. In 1 Corinthians 15:43 Paul reminds us that this human body grows old, eventually dies, and then turns to dust. But what we learn here in Philippians 3:21 and in other passages in the New Testament is that at the time of the Second Coming of Jesus (as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), all believers will be given by Christ a new body, a resurrection body. That’s what Paul is teaching here in Philippians 3:21. Jesus will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body.

Jesus’ resurrection body was both physical and spiritual. He looked like Himself, He ate food, His disciples could touch Him and verify that He was physical, and yet He could also appear and disappear at will, pass through walls and doors, etc. In 1 John 3:2 the Apostle John tells us that in that day we will be like Jesus. That is also what Paul is referring to here in Philippians 3:21.

There’s an entire body of New Testament literature which teaches about the resurrection body. Here, Paul chose to end this section in Philippians by reminding his readers of what we have to look forward to. This life is leading us to the day of glorification when we will be with Jesus forever, in eternity, in a resurrection body. That’s something to be joyful about. It’s what you have to look forward to and it will indeed be glorious!

God bless,
Pastor Jim

If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville
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