Something to Really Look Forward ToSample

The Dead in Christ Will Rise

What’s going to happen to you when you die? It’s an interesting question isn’t it? What happens when your time on this earth is done and dusted? Either Jesus will return, or one day you will breathe your last breath and your heart will stop beating. It’s this latter option that I’d like to explore with you today. Because our lives, whether we believe in Jesus or not, don’t end with a ‘beep’.

There is life after death. Either in the presence of Jesus for all eternity (hallelujah!) or apart from Him, in a place of eternal punishment and anguish that we call hell. So, where are you going?

The Apostle Paul knew that straight after his death he would be in the presence of Jesus:

“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain… I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” (Philippians 1:21–23)

My friend, so will you and I if we die before Jesus returns and we believe in Him! Just sit there for a minute and look at your circumstances—all your pressures and worries—through the lens of this truth. Do you see? That hope, that certain hope, can make a huge difference in your life.

Perhaps you have lost a loved one and you miss them terribly. Well, the good news is that if they believed in Jesus, one day you will see them again, because they will be raised in Christ. Perhaps you’re getting close to the end of life, through old age or sickness, and you’re staring at death’s door, and that’s a scary thing. Perhaps you’re facing a trial and wondering what hope you have for the future.

Wherever you are on your journey, the thing Jesus wants you to know, not just in your head but in your heart, is this: Death is not the end; it’s just the beginning. That’s why Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

Friend, the eternity that lies ahead for you is as glorious as it is certain. That’s what Jesus wants you to know. That’s the certain hope that He wants to fill your heart with today.

Life application questions:

· What things are you most looking forward to in your life? Do you have goals that you’re striving for or do you just take each day as it comes? 

· What do you think will happen to you when your life ends? Is it something you think about or try to avoid?

· Write down some of the challenges you’re facing at the moment. Read them through the lens of knowing that eternity with Jesus awaits. Does it shift your perspective?

· Read Romans 8 in full and ask God to speak to you through His Word. What is He saying to you today?