Resurrection

 

Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?

Acts 26:8 ESV

In Paul's days, most people took for granted the existence of God/gods. But to rational Greco-Romans, the idea that God could raise the dead seemed a bit far-fetched. Of course, nowadays, many more people would subscribe to such scepticism. 

But, as Paul questions here, if, as he assumes, people acknowledge the existence of God, is it really such a leap to think that God can and does raise the dead? The idea that something came from nothing is more implausible than the idea that God created us. The idea that death is our destiny goes against our innate human yearning for transcendence, or as Solomon put it, 'God has set eternity in our hearts'. 

If we're going to believe in God, who spoke all things into being, it's not a massive step to consider that God could, would want to, and does raise the dead. Death is an imposter on the universal stage. Resurrection is God's way of restoring things to how they are meant to be. 

Of course, physical, bodily resurrection in this life is exceptional. But Jesus defeating death on the third day wasn't just the greatest miracle ever, but also demonstrates to all that if He defeated death, we can too, through faith in Him. If we want genuine hope of a destiny other than being worm food, Jesus is the only one! 

'Almighty Lord, please help us to trust You to empower us to live in resurrection life. In the name of the risen Son, amen'