1 Corinthians 15:35–55 ‘The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable…’ (v.42)
As we age, we start to wear down in our bodies, such as needing glasses as our arms seem to grow longer to read the small type, or when our joints wear away and we need them replaced.
Other reminders of our perishable bodies arise regularly: indigestion; weariness; things just not working right or as well as they used to.
Or we might call to mind some friends and family who have greater physical challenges than we do – those who struggle with fatigue and fibromyalgia; a loved one with allergies or eczema, for instance.
We live in a fallen world, where our bodies are corruptible and perishable. However, Paul continues in his letter to the Corinthians by sparking into life the image of the resurrection body.
Just as a seed must be buried in the ground and die to produce its new form of life, so too does the earthly body need to die before it can take on its heavenly form.
Though our bodies may now fail, and though we might grow weary, then we will be clothed in what will not perish.
Paul is saying that just as now we bear the image of Adam – the earthly man – when we are resurrected we will bear the image of Jesus – the heavenly man ( v.49).
By the power of God, we will become fully all we were created and intended to be. And our bodies will never fail or get exhausted.
As we ponder these great mysteries, may the triune God breathe His warm breath of life into our faith, that we might glimpse the reality of the things to come.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, help me always to give myself fully to Your work, because I know that my labour in You is not in vain. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
To aid in the slowing down of the ageing process, if you’re able, go for a brisk walk or to a gym class or lift some weights today.
Scripture To Consider:
Job 19:25–27; Mal. 2:3–6; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; 1 Pet. 1:22–25
