Dead, but Alive

Bible Reading: John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10

Stretching sleepily, Max wondered why he had a strange, empty feeling in his stomach. Then it all came back to him. He glanced over at the empty bed on the other side of the room. It really was true—his brother Aaron was gone. It had been almost a month since Aaron had left for school in the morning and had not come back. Tears rolled down Max’s cheeks as he remembered. There was an accident, and Aaron had been killed.

The door to Max’s room opened, and Mom came in. “Morning, honey. I see you’re already awake.” Noticing his tears, she sat beside him on the bed. “You’re thinking of Aaron, aren’t you? Dad and I miss him too. Death is a sad thing, and it hurts to lose someone we love. But we know we’ll see Aaron again someday.”

“But Mom, how do you know?” asked Max.

“I know because Aaron trusted Jesus as his Savior,” Mom answered. “The Bible says that those who trust in Jesus go to be with Him when they die.”

“But…” Max stifled a sob. “But he was right there in the casket! And then he was put in the ground at the cemetery.” Max covered his face with his hands.

Mom leaned over and gave Max a hug. “Aaron’s body is in the grave, but his soul is with Jesus,” she said.

Max looked at his hands. “So my hands and feet, and my head and ears and eyes—they’re not really me?”

“Of course they’re you!” said Mom. “Just like your soul is. But because we live in a sinful world, our bodies die. When that happens, our souls go to be with Jesus. But one day, when He returns to earth and makes everything new, He will bring our bodies back to life. Then our souls will be reunited with our resurrected bodies—only they’ll be free of sin and won’t ever get sick or die again!”

Max wiped his eyes. “I still wish I could see Aaron every day.”

Mom squeezed Max’s shoulder. “I know. And you will. Because we all know Jesus, we can look forward to seeing Aaron again someday. Then we’ll all be together forever with Jesus!” – A. W. Smith

How About You?

Did you know that, if you’re a Christian, your soul will go to be with Jesus after your body dies? Nothing can separate Him from those He’s saved—not even death. But it doesn’t end there! One day He’ll bring your body back to life, and it will be perfect, free from sin and sickness. Then you and every other Christian will live with Him forever! Jesus promises eternal life to those who trust in Him. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)

Today's Key Verse: John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” (NLV)

Today's Key Thought:

Our bodies will be resurrected