God judges, God decides

Psalm 74:7-8

It is God alone who judges; He decides who will rise and who will fall. For the LORD holds a cup in His hand that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours out the wine in judgment, and all the wicked must drink it, draining it to the dregs.

It never ceases to amaze that Jesus became a curse for us on the cross. He was actually drinking the Cup of our judgement and "drained it to the dregs"!

Galatians 3:13

Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”

That was Cup that He prayed would be taken from Him, if it were possible.

Also we read that God decides who will rise and fall.

Wonderfully, God judged Jesus and His Sacrifice to be perfect! And so, on that first Resurrection Sunday, He rose from the Dead - as God decided He would.

Colossians 1:18

He is also the Head [the life-source and leader] of the body of true believers; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything.

The resurrected body of Jesus was the first model of what we will inherit as His followers. It is perfect, incapable of wearing out, able to transport at will - not confined to the barriers that face us now. For we read in the gospels how Jesus appeared and disappeared as He chose.

He went through locked doors, but wasn't a ghost. He asked Thomas to touch Him, He cooked breakfast and ate with His followers.

If you're feeling a bit creaky in your physicality this morning: rejoice - a new day is coming, a new improved body without pain or restriction of age will be ours.

And it all comes down to what was accomplished on the cross by Jesus and was given an eternal stamp of approval by God the Father.

Thine be the glory risen, conquering Son

Endless is the victory

Thou o'er death hast won