The Disciples Reflect on the Kingdom

A Quote

If Paul calls death the 'last enemy' (1 Corinthians 15:26), then the opposite is also true: that the risen Christ, and with him the resurrection hope, must be declared to be the enemy of death and of a world that puts up with death. That is why faith, wherever it develops into hope, causes not rest but unrest, not patience but impatience... Those who hope in Christ can no longer put up with reality as it is.

– Jurgen Moltmann, Theology of Hope

A Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We do not want to be ignorant about those who have fallen asleep, or to grieve like the rest of those people who have no hope.

Jesus, we believe that you died and rose again. We believe that you will bring with you those who have fallen asleep in you. We who are still alive - who are left till your coming - will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.

For you, Lord, will come down from heaven with a loud command - with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call - and the dead in Christ will rise first. We who are still alive will be caught up to meet you in the clouds. That fills us with awe. Thank you for such a living hope. Amen.

Journal Exercise

Recall the greatest demonstration of power that you have ever experienced. The coming of Jesus Christ in power will be greater than this a million times over. Write a prayer asking God for the King to come. Come before him with trembling as you pray.

Write a prayer confiding in God some aspects about death and dying that distress you. In the same prayer include comforting statements made by Jesus. Bring these matters before your Lord who is alive and will return.

A Challenging Prayer

Let us glorify God by proclaiming our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, so that everyone will hear his call to repent, and trust and serve Christ in love while they await his return.