1 Corinthians 15 -- There Will Be A Day ...

For several days now, I’ve mourned the passing of the son of a boyhood friend.  I think God saved this chapter for just such a time as this.  My thoughts had turned to what I would do if this ever happened to my one of my own sons. 

Paul says, “But God’s grace has made me what I am, and His grace to me was NOT wasted.”  What a tragedy it would be to have been given such grace, and then see it wasted on a lifetime that was not lived for Him.  Thank You for becoming my Lord and Master and helping me to live my life in a way that tells the world how much I appreciate Your grace, Father!

“If our hope in Christ is for this life ONLY, we should be pitied more than anyone else in the world.”  Even though knowing You and being called Your friend is beyond belief, You didn’t save us just for the remaining few years You give us on this earth.  Instead, You want us to be with You forever – an eternity with the One who loved us before the world was formed!  How awesome! 

“Death’s power to hurt is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But we thank God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ … Death, where is your victory?  Death, where is your sting?”  Paul knew, because Jesus had told him, that death is never an end for the Christian.  It is instead the beginning of what we’re trained on this earth to do – spend eternity with our Maker – the One who loves us and wants us by His side for all time.

I’ll be there, Father – beside You, as will my sons.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford