THE RESURRECTION HOPE IS SURE!

Other Resurrections Strengthens Our Hope

When Jesus sent his apostles out as Kingdom preachers, he said:  "Raise up dead persons."  (Matthew 10:5-8)  To do this, of course, they had to rely on God's power.  At Joppa in 36 C.E., the godly woman Dorcas (Tabitha) fell asleep in death.  Her good deeds had included the making of garments for needy widows, among whom her death caused much weeping.  The disciples prepared her for burial and sent for the apostle Peter, perhaps for consolation.  (Acts 9:32-38) He dismissed everyone from the upper chamber, prayed,and said:  "Tabitha, rise!" She opened her eyes, sat up, took Peter's hand, and he raised her up.  This first reported resurrection by an ap0stle caused many to become believers.  (Acts 9:39-42)  It also gives us added reason for hope in the resurrection.

The last resurrection of Bible record occurred in Troas.  When Paul stopped there in his third missionary trip, he prolonged his discourse until midnight.   Overcome by weariness and perhaps by the heat of many lamps and the crowded conditions in the meeting place, a young man named Eutychus fell asleep and tumbled from a third-story window.  He "was picked up dead," not merely unconscious.  Paul threw himself upon Eutychus, embraced him, and told onlookers:  "Stop raising a clamor, for his soul is in him."  Paul meant that the young man's life had been restored.  Those present "were comforted beyond measure."  (Acts 20:7-12)  Today, God's servants find great comfort in the knowledge that their former associates in God's service will experience the fulfillment of the resurrection hope.

Next time: Resurrection-A Long-Standing Hope

Watchtower, 2000