Behold! I tell you a mystery.
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“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
The Apostle Paul calls his audience to attention with these words as he details the miraculous mystery, resolution, and hope that the world can have in the resurrection of the dead. This mystery had transformed Paul’s life and he believed it would do the same for his Corinthian church family.
This mystery that Paul describes is truly an awe-inspiring transaction as we are reminded that our Heavenly Father has gifted us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ, and He will raise us to an imperishable body. This gift is good news of great joy that transforms us to the core of our being when we receive it as fact and believe on it.
This mystery has changed my life and so many more over the centuries. This mystery that ends in victory for God’s people is still a gift that our Heavenly Father invites us to receive. Part of the mystery is the power of the Gospel to free us from the curse and penalty of sin while empowering us to desire the things that our Heavenly Father desires for us and His world. There is also mystery as to how the resurrection will happen.
This mystery entails a radical change to come. As Christians we’ve witnessed radical changes throughout our spiritual lives. Change is part of our experience now, and there are greater changes to come regarding our mortal and immortal bodies. Changes we have seen before should help us trust in those to come and allow us to rest in the work of our Heavenly Father to finish what He has started in us.
As I think about change during the Christmas time of year, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens often comes to mind. That story is a favorite of mine because I so strongly identify with his character, Ebenezer Scrooge. At times, I can be worse than Mr. Scrooge as I live callous with little regard for others. To my despair, I’ve found no matter how hard I try to resolve my hard heart, I cannot produce the lasting change I need to overcome that sin in me. But I rejoice in Jesus and the steadfast love shown through his life, death, resurrection and faithful presence. By His life and work, I am transformed to love what God loves. In the story, A Christmas Carol, there is a mysterious change that occurs in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge that inspires hope and joy that people can change.
That kind of mysterious change is for you and me still today as we stare into this mystery of a risen Savior and the eternal life He gives. Jesus was and is the guarantee of promises fulfilled by our Heavenly Father. The same One who gave us life in this world will most assuredly lead us into everlasting life to come, to the praise of His glory!
Over the coming weeks, as we reflect on the virgin birth of Emmanuel, may the mystery of this gift from God transform us for His glory. May we be mystified by how great a benefactor we have in our Heavenly Father and worship Him with our devotion. May we be moved to our core with a love for our world that reflects the love our dear Savior Jesus has for us. And may we respond to this mystery that ends in a victory for us by loving each other and by being “…steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Grateful and hopeful in Christ,
Jon