Easter - First Fruits
Devotions - Easter
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."
1 Corinthians 15:20
1 Corinthians 15:20
In Romans 10.9 Paul says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Elsewhere, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 he says, “… if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost”. It’s interesting that he doesn’t just say, “if Christ had not died for your sins, your faith is futile”. Instead, he lays the emphasis on the fact that Jesus not only died but that God raised him to life again three days later. It’s clear that what you believe about Jesus’ resurrection is of central importance.
I have been to a lot of funerals – I’d be confident enough to say that, unless you are an undertaker, I have probably been to more than you! Before I became a church pastor I worked for many years in and around care homes for elderly people. Death and funerals were common occurrences. And, in the twenty years that I have been a pastor it has been my privilege to lead many funerals, in fact I am leading one tomorrow!
Death separates us from one another, that is why funerals are so painful as we are forced to face up to that reality. But the Easter truth that I love to proclaim at the funerals is that death can never separate a child of God from the love of God. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 Paul goes on to say, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Through his death and resurrection Jesus has broken the strangle hold of death over all who are “in him”.
We may not like thinking about death, especially our own, but it is in the face of this final and unavoidable enemy that the wonder and the power of what Jesus has done for us comes most sharply into focus. The pain of funerals is that we have to say goodbye and let go… the comfort of the gospel is that God never will. The Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, and I am the living one: for I was dead and now I am alive for evermore.’ (Revelation 1:18)
Elsewhere, in 1 Corinthians 15:17 he says, “… if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost”. It’s interesting that he doesn’t just say, “if Christ had not died for your sins, your faith is futile”. Instead, he lays the emphasis on the fact that Jesus not only died but that God raised him to life again three days later. It’s clear that what you believe about Jesus’ resurrection is of central importance.
I have been to a lot of funerals – I’d be confident enough to say that, unless you are an undertaker, I have probably been to more than you! Before I became a church pastor I worked for many years in and around care homes for elderly people. Death and funerals were common occurrences. And, in the twenty years that I have been a pastor it has been my privilege to lead many funerals, in fact I am leading one tomorrow!
Death separates us from one another, that is why funerals are so painful as we are forced to face up to that reality. But the Easter truth that I love to proclaim at the funerals is that death can never separate a child of God from the love of God. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 Paul goes on to say, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Through his death and resurrection Jesus has broken the strangle hold of death over all who are “in him”.
We may not like thinking about death, especially our own, but it is in the face of this final and unavoidable enemy that the wonder and the power of what Jesus has done for us comes most sharply into focus. The pain of funerals is that we have to say goodbye and let go… the comfort of the gospel is that God never will. The Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, and I am the living one: for I was dead and now I am alive for evermore.’ (Revelation 1:18)
Apply
- How do you feel when you think about your own death and what comes afterwards?
- How well do you think most people deal with the reality of their own mortality? Ecclesiastes 7:2 seems to suggest that it is wiser to face up to death than try to distract ourselves. How might you use the Easter story to communicate the hope that you have with those who are ready to face their mortality?
- Take some time to tell Jesus what you believe about his death and resurrection and express trust in what it has accomplished for you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I worship you as the one who has conquered death. I thank you that your resurrection opens up the way for my resurrection, that I need not fear death and that I have the prospect of eternal life in the new Heavens and Earth together with you and all those who have fallen asleep trusting in you. Help me to live my life in the light of this glorious truth and please give me boldness to share it freely with all who will listen.
With my mouth I declare that you are my Lord, and with all my heart I believe that God raised you from the dead. I worship you – my Saviour and my God.
Amen.
I worship you as the one who has conquered death. I thank you that your resurrection opens up the way for my resurrection, that I need not fear death and that I have the prospect of eternal life in the new Heavens and Earth together with you and all those who have fallen asleep trusting in you. Help me to live my life in the light of this glorious truth and please give me boldness to share it freely with all who will listen.
With my mouth I declare that you are my Lord, and with all my heart I believe that God raised you from the dead. I worship you – my Saviour and my God.
Amen.
This Everyday Devotion was written by David Featherstone who, together with his wife Amanda, leads our Sutton Venue.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s Easter sermon why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Join us as we walk through the book of Exodus by following our daily Exodus Bible Reading Plan.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.
If you would like to listen to the whole of this week’s Easter sermon why not download the Everyday Church App or visit our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions is accompanied by a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Join us as we walk through the book of Exodus by following our daily Exodus Bible Reading Plan.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.