Matthew 22:23-33
The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, 24 saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’ 25 Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. 26 So too the second and third, down to the seventh. 27 After them all, the woman died. 28 In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.”
29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
He is not God of the dead, but of the living.”
33 And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.
If Christmas is celebrated in Heaven, I'd bet heavily yes, believing on a Heavenly Christmas Tree to Celebrate the Birth of Wondrous Jesus.
We always see clearly God is God of the Living. And we should take some time to consider this conversation from 2,000 years ago is recorded - Jesus telling us - very clearly - to think about death. To consider Heaven. To wonder about Heaven overcoming death. To know Father God is very serious about Life.
Good News.
Jesus told another story about Heaven we should consider in this context.
Luke 16:19-20 Lazarus goes to Heaven and meets Abraham. Or Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection. Or Lazarus and the Rich Man.
There are two observations in this Section of Scripture. In Heaven, names are remembered easily. Abraham calls Lazarus by name and knows his life. Family ties are seen. News of earth is discussed. And we find a great divide in communication is planned by God. Perhaps, maybe, it is to find the news of life on earth. Conversation starters.
And the next observation, Jesus tells His Disciples as He gives His Father a new Heaven, Satan is tossed out. In Jesus: The place of the dead is Not Heaven, the dead are out of Heaven.
Revelation 21:8 tells us hell ends with a lake of fire - the second death. God is not fond of torment - Abraham recognizes the rich man is his child - part of his family.
Our Good Father God.
Jesus is proving He was alive before Abraham - Jesus is telling His past memories of Heaven before Jesus gave His Father a new Heaven. This is astonishing to find activity Jesus casually and as a Great Teacher is revealing.
The Living Word of God.
Know the Scriptures and Know the Power of God.
The Scriptures are chosen before looking them up - daily. Today, this is the Liturgy of the Protestant World and the Catholic World. Saying this is Chosen to remember at Christmas time - this Scripture. Christmas is not just for this year, memories are made for an eternal lifetime. And we will have time, again, with those we Love in God's Heaven, His Kingdom, His Power and His Glory. The Joy of Expectation is ours at Christmas time.
Abba!
Our Abba!
Let the Circle Be Unbroken.
Our Eternal Lives in Jesus Christ!
Our Abba!
Let the Circle Be Unbroken.
Our Eternal Lives in Jesus Christ!
God rest ye merry Expectations
Let nothing us dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day!!!
You saved us all When we were gone astray
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Fear not then, said the Angel
Let nothing you affright
This day is born
Our Expectations of Our Lives
in God's Holy Light
we will all live in
Jesus Christ
and have our families.
We Rejoice in Tidings of
Comfort and Joy.
Blessed be, You, our Father,
Lifting our cares and giving us this Day
to find Your renewed Mercies.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Our Savior.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Amen.
Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves! †