Philippians 3:11

“if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

                The resurrection from the dead? Okay, Paul. Perhaps you’re going a little far with this. Some people might not get what’s being spoken here…

                People were raised to life in Jesus’ day by his miracles, plus the whole earthquake at Jesus’ crucifixion that made the stones roll away from the tombs and dead men come out and walk around. Sometimes even Paul would perform a miracle and raise someone from the dead.  However, I’m pretty sure that Paul isn’t saying he’d do anything to come back to life after he dies. He has said before, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”

                So what is Paul actually saying?

                In Hebrews 11:35 it says, “Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

                What’s this better resurrection that both men (or possibly just Paul, since we don’t actually know who wrote the book of Hebrews) are talking about?

                The entrance into the kingdom. The eternal reward. The final day.

                Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

                Oh, for that day – Lord. Oh for that glorious day.

                Today, I will pray for a renewing spirit from the Lord, to gain strength to fight the sadness, fear, and sickness. I will remember that one day everything that hurts and causes pain will pass away – and every tear will be wiped from my eyes.