November 13
Scripture of the day: "Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying ... 'There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise; and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, 'Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.'" Mark 12:18-25
Thought of the day: Sadducees questioned Jesus about the continuation of a series of marriages into the resurrection ... even though they didn't believe in the resurrection. Their question referred to the duty of a man to marry his brother's widow from Deuteronomy 25:5-10. They asked about whom would a woman be married to in the resurrection if she had legally married each of seven brothers after each brother died. Jesus answered that it was none of them.
Challenge of the day: Our identities continue after death ... Moses and Elijah were at the Transfiguration. The resurrected Jesus walked on feet that had been nailed to the cross. He told His disciples to touch Him. He ate fish. His scars were visible ... but His appearance was somehow changed. And He entered a locked room without using the door. He answered the Sadducees that the resurrection is above and beyond earthly gender and marriage. Understand the power of God ... your resurrection life is much more than a reunited and improved version of life on earth. Don't worry ... you won't be disappointed in the resurrection!
THIS DAILY BYTE OF THE WORD, COPYRIGHT 2014, WAS PRINTED LEGALLY FROM WWW.EBREAD.ORG. YOU MAY COPY IT, UNCHANGED, BUT ONLY WITH THIS SOURCE AND COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ATTACHED ... AND ONLY FOR FREE OR AT-COST DISTRIBUTION. BIBLE QUOTATIONS ARE FROM THE NEW AMERICAN STANDARD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.