What a powerful concept this passage reveals, especially in the verse that says: “Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35, NKJV). In a sense, being both a disciple and disciple-maker can be boiled down to one thing: “a better resurrection.” We follow Christ because we have the promise, the hope, of redemption, of a new life in a new world, one without sin, suffering, and death. At the same time, because we have been given this hope, this promise—made certain by the life, death, resurrection, and high-priestly ministry of Jesus—we seek to point others to the same hope, the same promise. In the end, before the great controversy is over, we will either face the first or the second resurrection. We know, for sure, which is the better one. What else matters other than not only being in that resurrection ourselves, but doing whatever we can to lead others to it, as well? The harvest has ripened; millions await the call to discipleship. We have been blessed not only with the gospel but the gospel in the context of the “present truth”—the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, God’s last warning message to the world. What are we going to do with these truths that we love so much? Thus, we ask, Where are the reapers? Where are those willing to come alongside Christ and share the risks? Will you accept God’s invitation to not only be a disciple but to make disciples, regardless of the cost to yourself ? Think through the implications of the first resurrection and of the second resurrection. In light of these options, what else matters other than being in the better one and helping others to get there too?
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:04:38 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015