I was having lunch with my son. He observed me taking my hearing aids out, setting my glasses on the table, and then he saw the retainer with a false tooth. “Dad, you are falling apart!”, he said. Its true. The worst part is that I used to be an athlete… emphasis on “used to be”. When I was younger I could run and run and not get tired. Boy, has that changed at age 63. This body on loan from God is slowing down and weakening. Now, I can still paddle out on a four foot day on my surfboard- but I will be huffing and puffing in the line up. All creation has been subjected to futility because of sin, including this natural body. I am so glad that the resurrection of Jesus earthly body stands as evidence that God will keep his promise of a heavenly body to replace this earthly one. That body will never wear out. Hallelujah. Its quite possible I can dunk a basketball with that one!
There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:40-44 NASB
How is my body (like all of creation) longing for its ultimate redemption? Am I focusing more on spiritual realities than earthly ones?
God, as this day begins- I thank you for the body I have. May I steward its use in a wise way. Extend my days into decades so I might fulfill Your will and enjoy this life You’ve given me, especially with grandkids. As I make my way through this day, I pray that I might relate to others in the perfect balance of love and truth. I certainly need You and the wisdom from above. Please grant it even as You promise.
