The Daily: Wednesday October 1, 2025

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores."
- Luke 16:19-21

People of Resurrection

Devotional
As Christians, we stand in a unique position when facing the world's challenges. We are resurrection people. This identity doesn't mean we ignore suffering or pretend that pain isn't real. Rather, it means we know that death—in all its forms—never has the final word. The resurrection of Jesus Christ fundamentally changes how we approach seemingly hopeless situations. We know the end of the story: death is defeated.

This doesn't mean we won't experience loss, grief, or setbacks. It means that even in our darkest moments, we carry the light of resurrection hope. This perspective allows us to engage honestly with difficult realities while maintaining an unshakable core of hope. Like prisoners of war who survived by focusing on each day while holding onto the possibility of eventual freedom, we can practice what's called the Stockdale Paradox—confronting the brutal facts of our current reality while maintaining faith that we will prevail. Today, consider how resurrection faith might transform your approach to challenges. How might it empower you to face difficult truths while still acting with hope?

The resurrection doesn't erase our present struggles, but it does promise that they aren't the end of the story. In this tension between honest acknowledgment and resurrection hope, we find our calling as Christ's followers in a troubled world.

Reflection Question
How does your identity as part of a resurrection people change how you view seemingly hopeless situations? What specific challenge in your life or our world needs to be approached with both honesty and resurrection hope?

As Christians specifically, we are people of the resurrection. In the darkest of times, we know the end of the story, which is that death is defeated.         Pastor Jason

Prayer
God of resurrection, thank you that death and despair never have the final word in Your story. Help me to face difficulties honestly while holding firmly to the hope of resurrection. Give me courage to act faithfully today, knowing that You are making all things new. In Jesus' name, amen.