The text for this Sunday is taken from 1 Corinthians 15:19-26. Let me say that Chapter 15 is the great chapter on the resurrection written by the apostle Paul. He lays out the importance and implications of this event for believers. Here are some excerpts from this chapter:
"If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
"Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." 1 Cor. 15:29, 24-26
The resurrection brings us the conviction that there is life beyond the grave. How much we need to take this to heart when we realize that many of the things we may have hoped for in this life might not materialize. With faith in Christ, we can look forward to a future to be with Christ.
Notice here, too, in Paul's words that Christ is active today and will be involved as ruler until the end of time. He is one who will bring everything to a close and to a time when there will be no more death. It is all within his power and at the end of time he will hand over the kingdom to his heavenly Father.
In preparation for worship you may meditate on these words and reflect deeply on Christ's activity and also what it means for your life.
Pastor Marty