Magyar Egyház, 2002 (81. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2002 / 2. szám
1 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 3. oldal THE ULTIMATE HEALTH CLUB Health clubs are becoming increasingly popular. Those who eat unwisely tend to get out of shape and sooner or later they realize that something must be done about heir overweight. And there are others who feel that something must be done about their figure, their muscles and their shortness of breath. And this is where health clubs can do wonders. People join these clubs and go there once or twice a week, pump some iron, swim a little, do pushups, play a little racquetball, and after a few weeks they are surprised at the changes. I assume that you know about these health clubs and what I am telling you is an old story. Maybe you are a member of one of these clubs. Or maybe you are considering to join a health club. Or maybe it is not for you and you have no intention to take out a membership in any health clubs. Do not be so sure! I want to tell you about a health club you should join. It is the greatest in the world. It is for everyone. It is for young people, but it is also for old people. It is for healthy people, but it is also for sick people. It is for people who will need those little pills for the rest of their lives, people whose bodies are being destroyed by incurable diseases and people who know that hey may die soon. We may call this club the ultimate health club because it promises the changing of our dying bodies into glorious bodies like the body of Christ. I am talking about the church. The church is the ultimate health club because it believes in the resurrection of the body. Every Sunday, we stand, some of us are young and healthy and strong, but some of us are sick, some of us with heart problems and still others with kidney problems, and some of us are obviously very old, and we all say, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” Why do we say this? We say it because we believe the message of the Bible, and the Bible clearly says that “Christ will change our dying bodies and make them like his glorious body.” Just as he left the tomb on the third day with a glorified human body, those who believe in him are going to leave the grave and receive a glorified body. Christ will change our dying bodies. We love our bodies, don’t we? Think of a little boy who falls off his bike and comes crying into the house because his leg is bleeding. What weeping and wailing - what bawling we say - and all because something has happened to the little fellow’s poor body. But we never stop it, even when we grow up. We love our bodies over. But they are dying bodies - aren’t they? Our bodies are broken by sin, subject to infirmities, suffering, death and decay. Yet, we still love our bodies. Some people are willing to pay hundreds of dollars in order to stay in good shape. People diet because they think they are too heavy. And many women get upset when they put on a few pounds. But not even the best health club, diet or exercises can keep our bodies young and in good shape forever. We must admit that our bodies are not as strong as they used to be. Some of the parts are wearing out and it makes us wonder how long we are going to be around. Some day our bodies will die. And then what? The Scripture says, “Christ will change our dying bodies into glorious bodies like his own glorious body” (Philippians 3:20). These bodies will be free from sickness, diseases and decay. They will live forever. And, of course, Christ will change the mortal bodies of only those people who believe in him and are able to confess, “I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Such a change in the bodies of the believers will take place by the power of God. But you may say, “How can I believe in the resurrection of our bodies?” I admit, it is not easy! You need a lot of faith! Jesus says, “All things are possible with God.” If you read the death of Lazarus in the gospel of John, you will read that Lazarus was in the tomb for four days, but when Jesus said with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” By the power of God, he walked out of the tomb unharmed. The power of God is able to do whatever God wants to do. Jesus himself was raised by the power of God. The very same power will raise our bodies and will change our bodies into glorious bodies. Don’t ask me how. I don’t know how. No one does. God knows how. He raised his Son from the dead and gave him a glorified body. And he will do the same for you if you believe in Jesus. When you believe in Jesus Christ, you belong to the ultimate health club. No matter how sick you are, no matter how afraid you are, there is a great hope for you if you believe in the risen Lord. God will change your dying body into a glorious body. Barnabas Roczey The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad. (Ps. 126:3)
