God is The God of the Living

In review of Matthew 22:31-32 it says, “But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.”

Today's passage comes toward the end of Matthew chapter 22. In it he is answering questions about eternal life and what marriage will be like then. The questions come from some religious leaders. The wondered if there was a resurrection after death and if so, if a family followed the custom of having a brother marry his brother's wife if he passed away would work with a series of brothers who in sequence would die. Whose wife would it be in eternal life. Jesus replied that these leaders that they really didn't understand what was written in scriptures and the power of God. For in eternal life, when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In heaven there will be no reason or need for marriage.

Furthermore, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead, hadn't they ever read about this in the scriptures. Jesus then explained to them that long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He didn't say he 'was the God of', but rather, more in the present pretense of being 'the God of'. God is the God of the living, not the dead.

In this passage, Jesus pointed out that although Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had long since died, God was still their God. The fact that they are living even today, though their bodies are dead, indicates that every human being is immortal. Yes, immortal.

The implication for me is that though my body will one day fail, a resurrection is coming, and at that time, my body will live again. In the book of Acts, chapter 24 verse 15 teaches that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Now is the time to decide if we want to enter into eternity as one of the righteous or one of the wicked. The fate of those who are wicked will not be good. Eternity is just that, and eternity of what we had decided here.

This afternoon, I thank You God so much for creating me with a plan and purpose for this life. Thank You that Your love for me is so great that You created an eternal soul inside of my body — a soul that has the opportunity to live with You forever. Please guide me daily in living out Your purpose for the glory of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name.

Bottom Line:

God is The God of the Living and not the Dead.

What this means to me:

God intends for me to be with him always. First in the flesh here on earth and later with him in eternity.