They will be like his glorious body ...


Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! -Philippians 3:20-4:1,4 NLT

For months the pain levels in my wrists and shoulders have elevated. Doctors are telling me that my wrists will need to be surgically fused to alleviate the pain. Next week I am headed to physical therapy to deal with my shoulder pains. So I am much encouraged when I think about my body being transformed at death to a glorious and resurrected one. Knowing that a new pain-free heavenly body awaits those who believe in Jesus inspires so much hope.

Small wonder, in light of this future bodily transformation, that Paul from prison encourages each of us to rejoice in the Lord always. Sitting in chains the apostle sets a wonderful example for us of a person who found a way to transcend his pain and his disappointment. Knowing that he found a way to rejoice in such a dark place encourages me today to find a way to rejoice even though my body is hurting. It is such a compelling message of resurrection life.

Help us Lord to transcend our pain, discouragement and disappointment. Teach us to rejoice in you always.


4 comments:

  1. Color me "frustrated" - first there were two identical comments, I deleted one...both of them disappeared! Anyway, I said that I needed to read your words today. I'm pretty new at dealing with chronic pain (although mine is an injury and - God-willing - will not last much longer.

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MzEllen, it does the same for me, so I learned not to delete, just ignore.

    Bob, so sorry you are in pain...you never complain and so one seems to think only Ann has health or pain issues.

    I hope the doctors can find a remedy w/o surgery, but if not...will be praying for you.

    The older I get, the better my heavenly body sounds.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great! We were thinking about this on Sunday last. Quite a thought that my body will one day be like that of Jesus! I'm looking forward to it :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks all for these thoughtful and caring responses.

    ReplyDelete

I love to get comments and usually respond. So come back to see my reply.
You can click here to see my comment policy.