READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20, 35-38, 42-44, 54-57

Have you ever read verses in the Bible that talk about how we’ll be raised from the dead like Jesus was? It’s one thing to picture Jesus being raised from the dead after only three days, but it can be harder to imagine how bodies that have been dead a long time could ever be alive again.

But maybe a metaphor for resurrection would help. Have you ever seen marigold seeds? They are thin, long, dry seeds that are white on one end and black on the other. They look nothing like a marigold flower. But, when we bury the seeds in the ground, eventually these tiny, unremarkable seeds grow into vibrant flowers bursting with orange and yellow petals.

God can take those shriveled seeds and bring them to life. And He promises to do the same for Christians. In fact, the Bible actually compares our coming resurrection to what happens when seeds grow into plants. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes, “It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (verses 42-43).

Even though our bodies die, death is no match for Jesus—He conquered sin and death by giving up His own life for us on the cross. He will resurrect our bodies one day, and when He does, our bodies will be even better than before. No matter what happens to us on earth, we have the hope of resurrection.

So, next time you see a pot full of magnificent flowers, think of the dry, shriveled little seeds they came from. Our amazing God made those flowers grow, and He promises to do the same for us. • A. W. Smith

• Raising dead bodies is no greater problem for God than turning seeds into plants. In other words, it’s no problem for Him at all. Jesus rose from the dead, and He’ll raise believers too. He’ll give His children bodies that are even more wonderful than those we had before. It’s amazing to think about! How could knowing that Jesus has power even over death affect the way we view death? (Romans 8:38-39)

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT)