A Joyful Resurrection

"The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed! For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality!" (1 Corinthians 15:52-53)

Marvel of marvels! The sleeping ashes of the sepulcher — springing up at the blast of the archangel's trumpet! The dishonored dust — rising into a glorified body, like its risen Lord's!

At the time of death, the soul's bliss is perfect in kind; but this bliss is not complete in degree, until reunited to the tabernacle it has left behind to mingle with the sods of the valley. But tread lightly on that grave — it contains precious, because ransomed, dust!

My body, as well as my soul — was included in the redemption price of Calvary! And "those also who sleep in Jesus — will God bring with Him." Oh! blessed Jubilee-day of creation, when Christ's "dead men shall arise!" The summons shall sound forth, "Awake, and sing — you who dwell in the dust!"

All the joys of that resurrection morn — we cannot tell; but its chief glory we do know, "When He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is!" LIKE Him! My soul, are you waiting for this manifestation of the sons of God? Like Him!

Have you caught up any faint resemblance to that all-glorious image? Having this blessed hope — are you purifying yourself, even as He is pure? Be much with Jesus now — that you may exult in meeting Him hereafter.

Thus taking Him as your Guide and Portion in life, you may lay down in your dark and loathsome grave — and look forward with triumphant hope to the dawn of a resurrection morn, saying, "And when I wake up — You are still with me!"

J.M.D.