Jesus is the first to inaugurate a new way of life and of being human.
But God raised him from the dead,
and for many days he appeared to those
who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem.
From the beginning God has had a plan to overcome the sting of sin and death on his creation. Through death itself he conquers sin and death. He has always planned to raise his people to new life. Jesus is the first receive this life.
You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
The risen life of Jesus is not just for him, but it is also fulfillment for us, the children of the promise. Jesus is risen and we share his risen life even now in our mortal bodies (see Romans 8:11). The resurrection of all of the dead to life is coming at the end of time. But we live from that reality in the here and now. It is in our union with Jesus that we live this reality. And it is only united to him that we progress toward its fulfillment.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
As with Thomas we may believe that we don't really know the way. The grand plan seems obscure to us. We feel lost when we try to plot out the journey ahead. But Jesus is the way. Even though we don't have the map Jesus guides us when we come to each turn. Just where these turns will be is uncertain. But our destination is assured. We are on our way to the Father's house. We are on our way to mansions prepared specifically for us. Although we must be holy to enter heaven it is more than just conforming ourselves into heaven shaped objects that neatly fit in premade dwellings. No, heaven is adapted to us as well. It is prepared for us. We are each unique bearers of the image of God. In heaven our places will be specially made to allow that uniqueness to shine forth and give glory to God.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
No comments:
Post a Comment