Our scripture this morning is John 5:25-30.
“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
Jesus spoke frequently of the coming day of the Lord, and the fact that those who believe would be raised to everlasting life. Later Paul tells us “The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). The time will come when all must stand before God to be judged.
While that may sound frightening, those who follow Christ should have no fear, but look forward with joy to His return. No, we are not perfect, but we can confess our sins, repent, and know that He forgives those who are earnest in their desire to be connected to God and share His love. As the disciples of today, we are called to tell others about Jesus and the gift of life He offers.
God sent His Son to show us how to be in full relationship with Him, that all might know His mercy and live out the plan He has for us. Jesus is our help and strength in a world that wants its own way, rather than the Lord’s way. We must turn from the evil the world worships and turn to Him who is our salvation.
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of our savior, who is the way, the truth and the light of all creation. Help us to hear His word and follow in faith. Amen.