THE RESURRECTION HOPE HAS POWER

The Resurrection Hope Fulfilled!

Paul's words recorded in 1 Corinthians  chapter 15 make it evident that the resurrection hope had power in his life.  He was absolutely certain that Jesus was raised from the dead and that others would also be released from mankind's common grave.  Do  you have such strong conviction?  Paul  considered selfish advantages "a lot of refuse" and 'took the loss of all things' so that he might 'know Christ and the power of his resurrection.'  The apostle was willing to submit to a death like that of Christ in the hope of receiving "the earlier resurrection."  Also called "the first resurrection,"  it is experienced by  Jesus' 144,000 anointed followers.  Yes, they are raised to spirit life in heaven, whereas "the rest of the dead" will be resurrected on earth. -Philippians 3:8-11; Revelation 7:4; 20:5, 6.

The resurrection hope has become a glorious reality for anointed ones who have been faithful to  the death.  (Romans 8:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; Revelation 2:10)  Survivors of "the great tribulation" will see the resurrection hope realized on earth as 'the sea gives up those dead in it, and death and Hades give up those dead in them.'  (Revelation 7:9, 13, 14; 20:13)  Among those raised to life on earth will be Job, who suffered the loss of seven sons and three daughters.  Imagine his joy in welcoming them back-and how delighted they will be that they have seven more brothers and three other beautiful sisters! -Job 1:1, 2,. 18, 19; 42:12-15.

What a blessing it will be when Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah-yes and so many others, including "all the prophets" -are raised to life on earth!   (Luke 13:28) One of those prophets was Daniel, who was promised a resurrection under the Messianic rule.  For some 2,500 years, Daniel has rested in the grave, but by the power of the resurrection, he will soon  'stand up for his lot' as one of the "princes of the earth."  (Daniel 12:13; Psalm 45:16)  What a thrill it will be to welcome back not only faithful ones of old but also your own father, mother, son, daughter, or other dear ones taken from you by the enemy death!

Some of our friends and loved ones may have served God for decades and are well along in years. Advanced age may make  it difficult  for them to meet the challenges of life.  How loving it is to give them whatever help we can right now!  Then we will have no regrets about having failed them in some way if death should claim them as victims.  (Ecclesiastes 9:11; 12:1-7; 1 Timothy 5:3, 8)  We can be certain that Jehovah will not forget  the good things we do for others, regardless of their age or circumstances.  "As long as we have time favorable for it," wrote Paul, 'let us work what is good toward all,but especially toward those related to  us in the faith." -Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 6:10.

Jehovah is "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort."  ( 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) His Word comforts us and helps us to comfort others with the powerful resurrection hope.  Until we witness the fulfillment of that hope by the raising of the dead to life on earth, let us be like Paul, who had faith in the resurrection.  May we especially imitate Jesus whose hope in God's power to resurrect him was realized.  Those in the memorial tombs will soon hear Christ's voice and come out.  May this bring us comfort and joy.  But above all, may we be thankful to Jehovah, who has made victory over death possible through our Lord Jesus Christ?

Next time: Have You Been Influenced by Cynics?

Watchtower, 2000