Looking for the Resurrection 700 Years Before the Resurrection
But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise. - Isaiah 26:19
In the resurrection of Jesus we find the stamp of God’s approval on everything Jesus is for us. For example, Jesus claimed to give his life as a ransom for us (Mark 10:45) and that in his death we would have a new relationship with God because he would cancel our debt of sin (Luke 22:20). Jesus’ resurrection was God’s affirmation of everything Jesus promised.
Jesus also promised the physical resurrection of his children (John 5:28-29). So, it can be easy to think of our resurrection as something introduced only after Jesus’ victory over death. This, however, isn’t really true.
While it is only because of Jesus that we can rise again, God’s people have been looking forward to the resurrection long before Jesus. Seven hundred years before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah was clear that God’s children would not only live, he said they would have resurrected bodies too: “But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise (Is 26:19).” In the book of Job (which may be the oldest book in the Bible), Job says, “After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God (Job 19:26).”
Just as the Old Testament looks forward to the One who will achieve final victory for his people, there is also anticipation of what that victory looks like. In this case, our resurrection.
At Jesus’ return, when sin is finally put away forever, we will have new bodies and will enjoy life eternal with our Savior – only because he lives.
Jesus, you are the great promise-keeper. You are everything we need and we trust you because you are alive. Thank you for being so patient with us. Please cause us to find our deepest joy in your goodness.
Song: Resurrection