I can’t
resist pointing out Lev 13:40 - a relief for bald men everywhere. But more
seriously …
The Old
Testament has only a few obvious glimpses of people trusting God for a life
beyond the grave with him - Psalm 16:9-11 being one of them. Hardly surprising,
then, that the Apostle Peter quotes these verses in his Pentecost sermon in
Acts 2:25-28, calling David a ‘prophet’ for speaking about the resurrection of
the Messiah, who wasn’t abandoned to the realm of the dead; nor did his body
see decay. Similarly, the Apostle Paul quotes these verses in Acts 13:35.
How do we
respond to Jesus’ resurrection? David says our hearts can be glad. If our
hearts aren’t gladdened by the Easter news, it’s a sign we’ve lost perspective.
David also says our tongues can rejoice - so let’s keep singing our songs of
praise: “Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son / Endless is the victory
thou o’er death has won.” And he says our bodies can rest secure. We, too, have
confidence in the face of death. Death has lost its sting. “You will fill me
with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Pray that
Jesus’ resurrection would overflow in your life with increasing joy and
gladness. And pray for people you know who are approaching death - that those
who are believers would have confidence and security; and that you’d be able to
share the Easter hope with those who aren’t yet believers.
(member of ordained
staff)