Daily Devotion: Our Hope as Disciples

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:35-58

Main Verse:
1 Corinthians 15: 58
Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that the work that you do for the Lord isn’t wasted.

Observation:
The doctrine of resurrection gives believers a message of hope, that we will be resurrected one day when the Lord returns. Paul gives us a brief overview of what would happen on that glorious day in verses 51 to 52. Some may be able to witness this majestic happening. If we are still alive to see the Second Coming, our bodies will be transformed from mortal to immortal. But to some who have died, they will be raised again from the dead. We have a physical body on earth, but on that day when the trumpet sounds, we will be transformed.

It is this truth about the Resurrection that gives us hope and encouragement as disciples. We know that our work here on earth as his disciples will be rewarded by a glorified body when Jesus Christ returns. Our hope as disciples is in God's promises that He will reward our efforts when he brings us to His kingdom in heaven.

Application:
Receiving Christ as one's personal Lord and Savior is the first step to becoming his disciple, but in order for us to fully grow as Christ's follower, we need to become a disciple. Being a disciple is hard and challenging, and discipleship can cost everything. The German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.” Our loved ones, family, and friends may hate us because of our beliefs and convictions. Our faith will be tested. We will meet trials and temptations. Discipleship is never a popular choice, but we still choose to be one because God promises that our efforts will never be in vain, and that we will enjoy the fruits of our labor in our place in the Father's kingdom. We can hold on to God's word that when we hold firmly to the Word of Life, we will be able to boast that we did not do God's work in vain (Philippians 2:16).

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the promise of resurrection. Help me to hold steadfastly to you, and give me victory when my faith is tested. May you see in me a life that truly follows you, as I eagerly await for the day of your return. AMEN.