“And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world. But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, Adam, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man, Christ. Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, the first man. But all who are related to Christ, the other man, will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised first; then when Christ comes back, all his people will be raised.” 1 Corinthians 15:19-23 (NLT)
Optimism is simply positive thinking without certainty. It is more wishful in nature and completely distinct from hope. Optimism may drive away misery for a little while but it is not he sort of confidence needed to sustain a believer to the end.
What if the Resurrected Christ only affected this life. What a miserable concept! How could we face death? What would the next life be like? His resurrection wouldn’t be worth much – it would be useless – if it only affected us in this life.
Since each human being is the descendant of Adam and Eve, each of us has a reservation with death. Adam’s failure, however, is not the last word. Christ’s resurrection directly impacts the discussion. His resurrection entices us to continually look ahead to the day when divine promises will be fulfilled. His resurrection teaches us that despite Adam’s death, Christ’s life will prevail.
But now, Christ is risen from the dead! He was raised first and when He returns, all of his people will also be resurrected! What a day that will be! What a day . . . a glorious day that will be!! Optimism? Not at all. It is confident faith and hope.
Dear Father, thank you for our Resurrected Lord and Savior. Thank you for giving us this hope in him, that we may also be made alive. Grant that we may live everyday in this confident assurance. Help us to share this hope with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the hope of the resurrection,