The infamous “James Gang,” Jesse with brother Frank and the younger brothers, pulled off the first train robbery in Missouri. One of the victims was a clergyman. During the robbery he offered to pray for the bunch of robbers.
“I’d like to pray for you fellows,” he said.
One robber replied, “Well, right now we don’t have time. But maybe later tonight might be OK.”
Those sentiments sound rude. However, an elderly man was recently visited in the hospital by his preacher. When asked if he’d like to pray, the elderly man bluntly replied, “No!”
Typically, and especially under those circumstances, that reply sounds strange. People just don’t seem to find time for God, not even when it might be their final opportunity.
People who approached Jesus were sometimes unreasonable and illogical. One time “some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Him, and began questioning Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves behind a wife, and leaves no child, his brother should take the wife, and raise up offspring for his brother.
“There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died, leaving no offspring. And the second one took her, and died, leaving behind no offspring; and the third likewise; and so all seven left no offspring.
“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 her as a wife.”
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, for they are like angels in heaven.
“But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’?
“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” (Matthew 22:23-32)
Jesus was giving these Sadducees much greater hope than they were holding on to. This hope can also be yours.
They didn’t know what God was teaching in Scripture, nor did they comprehend God’s power. He can do all things. He’s the Creator God. He made you!
When you die, you will become “like angels in heaven,” according to Jesus. Yes! You are still living. There is life after death.
Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)
Seek to know God that you may have eternal life with Him!