“‘Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘Do you have anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” (Luke 24:39-43 NIV84)

After Jesus’ death He didn’t just live again in some ghost-like state. He wasn’t floating around like some paranormal spirit. Jesus physically resurrected from the dead. Mary not only could see Him and hear Him, but she could cling to Him. In our verses for today Jesus told His doubting disciples to reach out and touch the wounded areas on His hands and feet. He even asked them for food and ate in front of them. If you want to have a glimpse into what life will be like in heaven, look at Jesus. We will have physical bodies that can do the same things that our bodies can do today. Remember, what Jesus came to do was bring back the Garden of Eden. He came to the earth to deal with sin and its consequences so that the heavenly life lived out in Eden could be restored.

We Christians must always remember that this world is not our home. As the Apostle Paul said, “Our citizenship is in Heaven.” A day is coming when we will leave this life of pain and sorrow and enter into our permanent residence (Heaven) where there is no more suffering, pain, tears or sorrow. We will live in a new Heaven and a new earth, as John said in Revelation. Our glorified bodies will be physically perfect. There will be no pains from aging. There will be no illnesses or cancers. As Jesus offers to His disciples to reach out and touch Him, He offers to you and me the promise that there is more to life than the one currently lived. There is more! And it is heavenly! And it is perfect!

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church