We invite you to encounter more of Christ by reflecting on his marvelous names in Scripture. This page features daily selections from the book, I Want to Know More of Christ, by Steve Hall. As you listen to the audio or read the text versions (which are updated every day) may you become increasingly captivated by the fullness of Christ! You can also receive a free daily email reminder to visit this page by signing up below.
Jesus is…
The Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep
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SCRIPTURE READING:
1 Corinthians 15:20-26
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The LORD JESUS CHRIST, risen from the dead, is the sure sign of a harvest of resurrected saints.
Dear Father, I join Paul in praising Christ that He has been raised from the dead, and is consequently the Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep. I am thrilled that Christ fulfills Your instructions to Moses in Leviticus 23:10-11, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the Lord so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.’” I rejoice that without question, Christ is like the wave offering from the firstfruits of the harvest, signifying a bountiful harvest to follow—a harvest of resurrected souls. I am very grateful that we who receive Him as our Savior are assured that even though we will one day die physically as He did, we will be resurrected in body and spirit to live with Him forever! I am in awe to think of the massive resurrection harvest that will usher believers into Christ’s kingdom. I pray that You will help me and all believers to abandon ourselves to knowing the Firstfruits of Those Who Have Fallen Asleep more, loving Him with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength, and being used in His harvest however He directs. May He reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet and death is destroyed. I pray these things in His glorious name. Amen.
