“Seated in a window was a young man…who was sinking into a deep sleep…When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground…and WAS PICKED UP DEAD. Paul went down… “DON’T BE ALARMED,” HE SAID. “HE’S ALIVE!” The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.” (Acts 20:9-12) “… some people came from the house of Jairus…”Your daughter is dead,” they said…Jesus went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? THE CHILD IS NOT DEAD BUT ASLEEP.” Jesus took her by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, GET UP!”. Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk…” (Mark 5:35-42) Jesus performed at least four resurrections. the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:41). The widows son (Luke 7:14) Lazarus (John 11:43) and Jesus raised himself from death (John 10:18).
What happens when we die and stay dead? Remember the thief on the cross who repented and Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.” (Luke 23:43) “Then the dust (our bodies) will return to the earth…And THE SPIRIT WILL RETURN TO GOD who gave it.” (Eccl. 12:7) “…the beggar (Lazarus) died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom.” (Luke 16:22) “You see, at just the right time…Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates HIS OWN LOVE FOR US in this: WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” (Rom. 5:6-8) When we receive Jesus Christ as savior we can say: “O death, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?” (1 Corin. 15:55)
ALL I CAN SAY IS “OH HOW HE LOVES YOU AND ME…”
-Bill Stockham