1 Corinthians 15: An Easter StudySample

The Now and Not Yet

I’m fascinated with the “now and not yet” of the kingdom of God. Up until this point, we’ve mostly discussed the implications of the “now.” We know because of the work of the Resurrection we are not living dead in our sins anymore (verse 17). However, we can make the mistake of thinking the blessings to come in eternity don't impact us in the now.

My wife and I have been devastated by two miscarriages. It’s easy for me to dwell in the glory of the “not yet,” where we won’t experience death, suffering, and decay. Even if we are not experiencing this now, it still gives us a sense of purpose and strength.

The Lord has said we live our lives as resurrected people because “the now” is a reflection of the “not yet.” To live fully in the now and the not yet in light of the Resurrection means we think about what is imperishable and immortal (verses 53–54), and we seek them during our current lives. The power of the Resurrection points us to our need for newness of life. Every season of Easter should remind us we need a new birth, a new heart, and a new, untainted body.

I’ve recently been dwelling on the idea that one way of appreciating the imperishable now is to care for and give hope to the elderly and those facing the end of their lives on earth.

Six months ago, Toby and I were on an afternoon walk and met Mr. Davis, who is in his 80s. He and his wife have become our closest neighbors. Toby is always sad when we walk by their house and can't say hi. We’ve offered them rides, prayers, and our friendship.

Because God has secured a future, eternal hope for us, we can point people around us, and maybe especially the elderly, to the eternal hope to come! Because God cares for His people on this side of eternity, we too can care for them in the “now” and offer hope for the “not yet.”

As you enter this season of Easter, our reminder is that we rise with Him as He shares the newness of life that His resurrection brings. Glory to Him for He has risen.

We would like to thank Oscar Zapata and FamilyLife for providing this plan. At FamilyLife, we want to be a part of your journey. If you’d like more on Easter and the Resurrection, please visit our resource page on Easter.