Of the many foreshadows, or pictures, that we find in the Bible, perhaps the most beautiful is the Resurrection of Jesus and what it means for the Church. Of course, we know that because He was raised from the dead we, the saved of Jesus, have that same wonderful hope. But have we paused to reflect on this promise?

First of all, Jesus was the “firstfruits” of those who have died. (First Corinthians 15:20) If Jesus was the firstfruits, that means there will be more and Christians have that promise. (First Corinthians 6:15) When He was seen after His Resurrection Jesus was physically real. He ate, walked and talked. Thomas touched His wounds. And yet, Jesus moved between the Spiritual world and the Physical world at will. Twice in John 20 Jesus just appeared to the Disciples. In verse 19, the Disciples were meeting with the doors locked and Jesus “came to them.” It is more clear in verse 26 where again, a week later, the Disciples were behind locked doors and Jesus simply appeared to them. And we will be like Jesus. (Philippians 3:21)

There are some interesting passages in the Old Testament that indicate some of the promises that we have as Christians. “The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.” (Isaiah 35:10, 51:11) Who are the ransomed? Christians!! “Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord . . . these I will bring to my holy mountain.” (Isaiah 56:7) The last verse of Obadiah speaks of “deliverers “who will go up on Mount Zion to govern . . .” Remember that Paul said Christians will judge the world. (First Corinthians 6:2)

In First Timothy 6:19 Paul tells of laying up treasures for the coming age. We are instructed to live godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of Jesus. (Titus 2:12) In Revelation 19 Jesus returns at the end of the Tribulation to end war and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. With Him are the “armies of Heaven” (verse 14) dressed in fine linen. Verse 8 tells us that the fine linen “stands for the righteous acts of the saints.” It appears that we Christians will return with the Lord as His army and will possibly be considered “deliverers” as in Obadiah.

Paul tells us in Galatians 4:29 that we are heirs of the promise to Abraham. One of the promises to Abraham was the land that became known as the Kingdom of Israel. Remember what Jesus said about the meek - “they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) I do not think that Jesus was just throwing out idle platitudes. That statement means something. It may mean just what it says, which fits the prophecies of Isaiah and Obadiah noted above.

The promise to Abraham was for his descendants, but Paul tells us that we are heirs, also. (Galatians 3:29) I believe that the Lord fulfills His promises; that Israel will be the premier nation of the world, as prophesied; and, that we will be there, too. What a promise! Read Isaiah 49:13-23 in that context and see what you think.

The time we spend in this life is simply preparation for a glorious reign with Jesus, wherever that may be. Spend your time wisely. We have no promise of unlimited time on this earth. Build up that treasure in the Lord’s Kingdom. And praise His name always.