Raised by Faith

Today we continue with our reading from the fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians. If you remember, this chapter somewhat awkwardly begins a new theme. If you remember the reading last week was a listing of those who had seen the risen Lord. The purpose of that listing is now clear. It seems that some of the Corinthians were questioning what happened to their brothers and sisters who had died. Remember that the early church believed that Jesus would return in their lifetime. Now some of the early Christians had died. Apparently some Christians (and not just in Corinth) were teaching that there was no resurrection from the dead. Paul is arguing the opposite.

Paul uses a roundabout way to make his argument. He begins at the end and works backward. He points to how the Corinthians’ faith came about – by hearing of Jesus’ resurrection from those who had seen the risen Jesus. How can they say there is no resurrection? If the dead are not raised then Jesus was not. Therefore, if they believed in Jesus’ resurrection, how can they say there is no resurrection from the dead? I do not know what your thoughts are about this argument but it must have convinced the Corinthian Church for we do not hear this concern again.

It is not surprising that the Corinthians got caught up in this concern. It was not as if the idea was new. Stories of  others returning to life were not unheard of. But they were people of power and prestige (or of luck). They were surrounded by a stoic society that taught life is hard and all you can do is bear it until you die. Why, then, would they, the poor nobodies, be given this gift? Jeremiah began the answer: trust in God. While their leaders were looking for alliances against their enemy Babylon, Jeremiah was urging the people to trust in God. While it may not keep disaster from occurring, it will nourish and sustain them through difficult times.

I suppose we read that text because our gospel reading is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. There we hear what some have called God’s preferential concern for the poor. These words, comfort to those who lack and are mistreated for speaking of Jesus, are words of concern for us. If we look at our lives carefully we will note that we do not seem to qualify for the blessings given by Jesus. We, instead, fall into the other category as those who are warned. We are rich, well fed, have great opportunities for joy and laughter, and have good reputations among others. We, then, most certainly need Jesus. While he has warned us against our lifestyles, he also calls us to repent our ways and follow him. Jesus who gave up all that he had for us is calling us to follow him. Answer his call. As God raised Jesus from the dead, God will raise you up from sin and death and make you whole this day and forever. Do not spend your gifts fretting about what might be. Set your hearts and minds upon God and by faith God will raise you up to new life.