So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15: 42-44).

I love using metaphors.  Metaphors are amazing springboards for helping us simplify and understand complex ideas.

See what I did there?

As Paul writes to the community in Corinth, he’s facing a very difficult task.  He understands the absolute Truth and Good News of Jesus. Just as Jesus died and was resurrected, so will we die and be resurrected by God.  Simple statement; incredibly complex idea.  

So naturally, the community is asking a lot of questions.  Paul responds with a metaphor we can all understand.  When you plant a seed, you don’t expect to grow more seeds.  You’re not surprised when what you mash into the dirt pops out looking completely different.  When your seed grows into a wonderful plant that produces beautiful flowers or delicious fruit, you’re delighted, not confused.

No one plants a garden and is then bewildered when what was planted matures into something that looks nothing like the seeds!  It’s an incredible metaphor, and I’m tempted to write thousands more words talking about what seeds, dirt, water, and sunlight represent.  I would love to dive into an entire chapter length expansion of Paul’s metaphor.  

However, l must avoid the temptation of getting lost in the metaphor here, and springboard into the big idea.  Yes, being on this earth and living in this dirt is indeed part of our worldly existence. But through Jesus, we are nurtured, cared for, and protected so that at the time of God’s choosing we will be resurrected into something beautiful and wonderful, and as perfect as God intended.  

And just like getting lost in a metaphor, I can get lost in my life when I try to overanalyze, pull apart, or create false connections between myself and God’s plan.  I will never find answers in metaphors or language that seeks to compare God’s holy plan with this earthly existence.  

My life is not about being a metaphor of a worldly process posing as something spiritual. It’s about embracing Jesus and letting his Spirit work in me and in my life.  It’s to live as if I’ve already been resurrected through Jesus, while being a witness for and working towards God’s plan for a resurrected existence.  

I’m oh so tempted to end where we started with another seed metaphor. Instead, I’ll end where I’m going, allowing myself to be open to God’s plan. May I be filled with the Spirit and do the hard work on earth as I practice for the resurrection that was promised by Jesus.

Take the time this week to read the entirety of Paul’s metaphor on resurrection.  But as you work through the metaphor, take time to reflect and springboard into how the Spirit can be at work in your life.  As we move towards Easter, Jesus is showing you opportunities to practice resurrection.  Make the choice to do the work in his name!