Not Yet Fully Alive
Scripture: But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
(Luke 20.35-36)
Main Point: “I shall not live until I see my Lord, and when I see Him, I shall never die.”—John Donne
The Christian poet John Donne captured our resurrection hope in these profound words: “I shall not live until I see my Lord, and when I see Him, I shall never die.” Even with all the joy of this world—marriage, children, meaningful work, friendship, beauty, music, and laughter—Donne recognizes he has not yet truly lived.
This is not pessimism or denial of God’s good creation. Rather, it’s recognition that this life, wonderful as it is, is merely a shadow of the life to come. We have not yet experienced life in its fullness. We have not yet become all that God created us to be. We are still groaning inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8.23).
But when we see Him—when the heavens open and our Savior comes in glory, when He opens our graves and raises our bodies incorruptible—then we shall truly live. We shall never die again. We will be “sons of God, being sons of the resurrection,” fully alive in ways we cannot yet imagine, free from death, sin, and decay forever.
Reflection: The best of this life is but a shadow of the glory that awaits God’s children in the resurrection. What joys of this life give you a glimpse of the greater joy to come? How does longing for the resurrection life help you endure present struggles?
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for this life’s good gifts. Yet I long for the day when I see Jesus face to face and experience the fullness of resurrection life. Until then, help me live faithfully. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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