December 21

The Promise Of Resurrection

After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His presence. — Hos 6:2 BSB

For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. — 1 Cor 15:22 BSB

Death precedes life, and we cannot truly experience the joy of Easter unless we first pass through the grave. Blessed are those who descend into the grave with hope, for their souls will not be left in the land of shadow, nor will God allow His holy ones to see corruption. God will revive them, and they will live. On the third day, our Lord Jesus rose from the dead, and this is the foundation of hope for the entire world.

“Come, let us return to the Lord.” There is always resurrection, hope, and joy for those who repent of their sins. True repentance is a humble return to God. As we draw near to Him, He meets us with healing and salvation. His coming brings light and joy, like the dawn or the spring rains. The soul responds with fertility and beauty to His presence.

Are you in the dark grave of difficult circumstances? Take heart. One of God’s angels is on the way to roll away the stone. Though our Lord was crucified, He rose on the third day and now reigns at God’s right hand. By that same power, you too can live with Him—not just in the world to come but here and now. God will raise you up, and you will live in His sight. The best is yet to come!

“Let us press on to know the Lord.” We can always depend on Him. If there is any change in our relationship with Him, it is on our side, not His. As surely as the dawn follows night, God will come to us if we return to Him. When the prodigal son was still far off, his father ran to meet him! Is there any doubt about God’s welcome? None at all! He is always waiting for us, and in Him, there is no shadow of turning. Move toward Him out of the grave of doubt and despair, and on the third day—the Day of Resurrection—He will reveal Himself to you.

Prayer

May our self-life be crucified with Christ so that His life may be seen in us. May we emerge from the grave of sin into a more complete likeness of our Risen Savior, so that others may see evidence of His resurrection in us every day. Amen.