September 6

1 Corinthians 15:42,44
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body”―1 Corinthians 15:42, 4442So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (1 Corinthians 15:42)
44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:44).
NATURAL and Spiritual. Almost unconsciously, perhaps, many people think of these terms as though they were contrasting a material body with a spiritual one. That is, they imagine that the present body of flesh and blood is to be entirely done away with in resurrection, and a body of spirit—immaterial—will take its place. But the risen body of our Lord was as truly material—a body of flesh and bone (Luke 24:3939Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:39))— as that which hung upon the cross. It was the same, only glorified. A natural (or soulish) body is a body suited to the soul, the seat of all natural instincts and emotions. The spiritual body will be suited to the higher spiritual life which will be ours in resurrection.
“We shall sleep, but not forever,
There will be a glorious dawn!
We shall meet, to part—no, never,
On the resurrection morn!
From the deepest caves of ocean,
From the desert and the plain,
From the valley and the mountain,
Countless throngs shall rise again.
We shall sleep, but not forever,
In the lone and silent grave;
Blessed be the Lord that taketh,
Blessed be the Lord that gave.
In the bright Eternal City
Death can never, never come!
In His own good time He’ll call us
From our rest to Home, sweet Home!”
—Mary Ann Kidder.