“We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’[b] 34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’[c] 35 So it is also stated elsewhere: “‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’[d] 36 “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. 38 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 “‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’[e]” Acts 13:32-41
Saul/Paul continues his sermon to the Jews. He’s making a defense for the resurrection of the Christ. Four times in nine verses Paul refers to Jesus either as risen from the dead or his body not “seeing decay.”
In v. 33 he says, “he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. In v. 34, “God raised him from the dead so the he will never be subject to decay.” In v.35, “So it also stated elsewhere” “You will not let your holy one see decay.”In v. 37, “But the one whom God raise from the dead did not see decay.” Do you think God is making his point through this sermon?
The truth of the matter is that Jesus, though he was put on a cross and died, did not remain in the grave. Jesus overcame sin and death and his body, though laid in a tomb for three days, he became alive again. Death could not hold him because as it is written, “You will not let your holy one see decay.” Paul’s sermon to the Jews was to given them as evidence that what happened to Jesus was foretold by the prophets of old.
How does this pertain to us in the twenty-first century? It gives hope for the future. Hope for our own eternity. Hope that we too, as we live in and for Christ, that we might be resurrected with him. It makes all our other troubles in this world pale in comparison. As Paul writes again in 2 Corinthians 4.17, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
We fix our eyes on Jesus. He is our only hope. No worldly accomplishment surpasses his glory. No academic achievement, fame or fortune can replace the greatest gift of all — spending eternity with our Lord.
So this day, when you are more concerned with the worries of this world than the condition of your soul — place your eyes upon the cross. Know that Jesus came to die for you and to be resurrected to give us abundant life now and eternal life to come.
“O Lord God, I thank you that your holy one Jesus, did not remain in the grave. Thank you that you have a plan and purpose for all of humanity. If we will simply place our faith in you, we will fine security. I love you Lord and praise you name. Keep me from evil. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Free me from attacks from the enemy so I might be filled with your power and Spirit. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen