Paul calls Christ the “firstfruits” of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). He’s risen, and there is more coming after Him! Christ as the “Head” of the Body is born unto eternal life; and just as in natural childbirth, the head comes only with difficulty, but then the body follows easily. So shall it be with our own resurrection! In fact, says Luther, death shall seem but a brief, refreshing nap. And because the hard part is done with Christ’s own resurrection, it is as though we are all but raised ourselves— yes, with only but a toe yet dangling in the grave!
Matthew Harrison –
