Luke 14:14

THE GENERAL RESURRECTION

‘Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.’

Luke 14:14

Most people expect to receive the reward of good service done to God, so soon as they leave this world and enter heaven. But our Lord says, ‘Thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.’ The hope set before us is the hope of receiving the reward of dutiful service at the resurrection, and not before. The condition after death is one of expectancy and not one of fruition.

I. The great change.—The resurrection body is:—

(a) Sown in corruption; raised in incorruption.

(b) Sown in dishonour; raised in glory.

(c) Sown in weakness; raised in strength.

(d) Sown a natural body; raised a spiritual body.

It is idle to conjecture. Suffice it that we know that the risen body will be as unlike the natural body that was sown in corruption as the beautiful butterfly is unlike the mean grub, and that, nevertheless, identity will not be lost.

II. Difference of degrees.—Each in eternal life receives more or less glory and honour and rule, according as he has deserved it. Some will be glorified as saints, others saved only with fear, as brands plucked out of the fire. God is just, and rewardeth every man justly.

III. What is it that infuses into our corruptible bodies the germ of the new resurrection life and glorification?—The miracles of healing wrought by our Lord were figures of restoration from sin, but they were more than that, they were foretastes of the great healing of human nature of all its infirmities that He would effect as the great Physician of bodies as well as souls. It is noteworthy that many of these cures were wrought by His touch. And He instituted the Holy Eucharist as the means whereby we might sacramentally, yet really, touch His risen body.

Rev. S. Baring-Gould.

Illustration

‘The expression, “ Thou shalt be recompensed,” is worthy of notice. It confirms the doctrine of a reward according to works, though not on account of works, in the judgment day. The similarity between the Lord’s language in this place, and that used in the description of the judgment day in Matthew 25, ought to be observed. It seems to contradict the opinion which some hold, that in Matthew our Lord is speaking only of the judgment of the heathen who never heard the Gospel. Some arguments by which this view is maintained would apply to the passage before us. Yet here it is plain that our Lord is speaking of His own hearers and disciples. It appears, more probable, that both here and in Matthew our Lord speaks of the general judgment, and that the importance of works as an evidence of faith is the truth which He desires to impress on our minds.’