So is it with the resurrection of the dead.
What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.
1 Corinthians 15:42, ESV
I have two absolutely beyond adorable granddaughters who live in another state. Last week, their mother sent me a video of them singing to me the much beloved Happy Birthday song. As I was relishing in their bed head cuteness, they followed the familiar lines with a verse that repeated the phrase, “How old are you now?” Since the answer to their question is higher than one of them can even count (and is still quite shocking to me!), I had to choose to not allow the question to momentarily dampen the celebratory vibe of the song.
The reality is that I don’t need a song to remind me that my body is perishing. As all women of my age can attest; the evidence is quite real. Although I feel better than I did 20 years ago when I was a chronic pain patient, my hair is not as naturally blonde as it used to be. I can now buy a discounted ticket to the movies. Doctor visits have recently become more frequent, and there are some things that not even good makeup can cover (just the way it is).
Fortunately, we humans have far more to look forward to than signs of aging. We get to gather more wisdom, wonderful experiences, and time walking with God. We have the benefit of tracing His hand as we look back on even the hardest times we’ve experienced. But there is more. As the apostle Paul reminds Christ-followers in 1 Corinthians, these perishable bodies of ours are miraculously on their way to becoming imperishable. And, our “heavenly spiritual body will be eternal, perfect, and powerful (cf. 2 Cor. 5:1–4).”
Only God can turn what is mortal and decaying into something miraculously immortal!
So, no matter how many candles will be on your birthday cake this year, you can rest assured on the authority of Scripture, if you are Christ-follower, that you are on your way to becoming brand new. There is an immortal body ahead for you, fit to worship God full out with the singular focus He deserves. A life better than anything your mortal mind can imagine. Now that is a new life worth looking forward to!
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1 Lowery, David K. 1985. “1 Corinthians.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 2:545. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
Meet the Author!
Bible teacher, author, inspirational speaker, and disciple-maker, Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. She loves serving as Minister of Adult Discipleship at Council Road and as a Lifeway Women’s Ministry Trainer, pursuing a Master of Biblical Studies at Moody Theological Seminary, celebrating her people, and getting lost in a good story.