Ready or Not

[357 words]

In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave covered with huge slabs of granite and marble, fastened with heavy steel clasps.

It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there were a resurrection, it could not reach her.

In time, however, a seed began to grow and push its way out from beneath the slabs. As the trunk enlarged, the stones were gradually shifted and the steel clasps were wrenched from their sockets.

The dynamic life force contained in that little seed is only a faint reflection of the tremendous power of God’s creative word that someday will call to life the bodies of all who are in their graves. Willing or not, all will be resurrected (John 5:28–29).

A messenger from God revealed this truth to Daniel. As this angelic messenger opened the door to the hallway of time, he revealed to the prophet many things: the rise and fall of various kingdoms, the invasion of the army from the North, and, ultimately, the resurrection of the dead. For those who are prepared—whose names are written in the Book of Life—it is a resurrection to everlasting life. For those unprepared, it is a resurrection to everlasting damnation.

This Old Testament message is also echoed throughout the New Testament. The apostle Paul declared that “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), while the apostle John saw the dead, who were “judged every man according to their works” (Revelation 20:13).

There is no way you can avoid the resurrection, but you can be ready for it. Make sure that your name is written in the Book of Life. Only a fool fails to prepare for what he knows is coming. Have you believed in Christ (John 3:16), repented of your sins (Luke 13:3), confessed the name of Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and been baptized for the remission of sins? (Acts 2:38). If not, prepare for your grave to be opened one day!

Tom Moore
College Station, TX