Peter Barnes | Psalm 73; Matthew 22:23-33
SERMON NOTES
THE OLD TESTAMENT HOPE OF RESURRECTION
Psalm 73; Matthew 22:23-33
Many people say that the Old Testament is only concerned with this life – Psalm 6:4-5; 30:8-10; Eccles.9:4-6.
But read Matt.22:23, 29; Acts 23:6-9; Heb.11:19. Look at the evidence:
1. Enoch and Elijah did not die but went straight to heaven.
– Gen.5:24 (and Heb.11:5) and 2 Kings 2:11-12a. This will happen to Christians who are still alive when Christ comes again – 1 Cor.15:51.
2. In the midst of all his suffering, Job believed in a divine Redeemer who would raise him from the dead.
– Job 19:25-27.
3. David drew comfort from the thought of resurrection when his little son died.
– 2 Sam.12:23.
4. The resurrection is the answer to the injustices of this life.
– Ps.73:1-3, then Ps.73:16-19, then Ps.73:23-26.
5. Some of the prophets refer specifically to the resurrection of the dead.
– Isa.26:19; Dan.12:1-3.
6. In Ezekiel’s vision of revival, the final picture is resurrection.
– Ezek.37:11-14. Revival is new life here on earth; resurrection is new life in the age to come.
7. It is implied in many places.
– Matt.22:31-32; also Isa.53:8-9, 10-12.
Kenneth Macrae whispered to his wife: ‘Cath, my darling, I’ll be waiting for you on the other side.’