1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Death and taxes. These are commonly noted as the two constants or certainties in life. And while human efforts have never overcome the problem of death, God promises to clothe the perishable with the imperishable. This is the central message of the gospel, that sin and death have been defeated by God. And for this, we sing praise to the Lord.
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
- 1 Corinthians 15:55
But there is something that people often fear more than death. Humans are beings of will and purpose. For many, living their lives in vain feels like a fate worse than death. I would like to think that I am the same. To die for something is much more admirable than to live for nothing. The final verse in today's passage promises us the best of both worlds: to live for something.
"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
How great is God? Not only does he promise victory over death, he also promises us a life of purpose. All we have to do is open up our hearts and let God in.