Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Imagine
Luke 23:43, Acts 1:9-11, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 1Thessalonians
4:13-18, Revelations 21:1-7
By J.D. Griffith
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Hallelujah! One day, we too will rise
from the dead.
We don’t need to wonder what to expect after our own death. The Bible is
clear about many things; let’s take a journey to explore, allowing our
minds to imagine what will come to pass.
First thing to know is: at the moment of death, believers are present
with the Lord. (Luke 23:43, 2Corinthians 5:8). Jesus told the thief who
was crucified next to Him who asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus
comes into His kingdom. Jesus said, “Today thou shall be with Me in
paradise.” So, this is the first thing—we’ll be with our King the moment
our hearts stop beating.
But…will our resurrection combine our bodies with our spirits to be with
God and other departed saints? Listen to this: We’ll hear a trumpet
blast and the archangel Michael will call the saints to assemble. We’ll
see Jesus descending from Heaven to meet with the saints in the air—both
departed and living saints. WOW!
The bodies and spirits of the departed will be reunited—from the earth
and heaven. These new glorified bodies will be perfect. We’ll be
imperishable—healthy and strong enough to never wear out for eternity.
In glory, we’ll be much like God, reflections of His radiance. Our
bodies and minds will be powerful and capable to perform everything the
Lord requires of us. We will not be idle. We will not be hindered by sin
or rebellion.
Our eternal bodies will be perfectly equipped to continue what we began
while on earth—serving the Lord with our whole heart, mind, and
strength. Won’t this be magnificent?
Take Home Nugget
Meanwhile, we open our eyes and know we’re still here, with the
same problems, heartaches and hopes. This is how we can encourage each
other—things won’t always be this way. Remember what the Bible assures
us—a new heaven and earth will be our home. We’ll be recognizable, but
totally transformed into glory. The best is yet to come!
This is my favorite message from the Bible to study:
Things yet to come: perfect bodies and earth.
I can’t shut up, others need to know the hope
That the best is yet to come-since our birth!
