Convocation
Scripture Text: Ezekiel 37:1–14
Ezekiel 37:1–14
From the Reformer
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, he connects together the voice of the archangel and the trump of God: As therefore a commander, with the sound of a trumpet, summons his army to battle, so Christ, by his far sounding proclamation, which will be heard throughout the whole world, will summon all the dead. Moses tells us, (Exo 19:16) what loud and terrible sounds were uttered on occasion of the promulgation of the law. Far different will be the commotion then, when not one people merely, but the whole world will be summoned to the tribunal of God. Nor will the living only be convoked, but even the dead will be called forth from their graves. Nay more, a commandment must be given to dry bones and dust that, resuming their former appearance and reunited to the spirit, they come forth straightway as living men into the presence of Christ.
—John Calvin, Commentary on Corinthians
Pulling It Together
C. S. Lewis reminds us, “The Church will outlive the universe” (The Weight of Glory). One day, when days are no longer counted, every member of the Body will be called together and joined with the Head of the Body who is Christ. “Everything that is joined to the immortal head will share his immortality.” People of the Spirit believe it to be so because the voice of God has said so and will perform it. Yet there is a coming together that should already be occurring for the Body of Christ. Therefore, people of the Spirit must already be willing to be called together. Why should they wait until eternity?
The Cross and the Crown is an eight session study in Lutheran Basics, using the word "sola" to get the big picture right: that salvation is all God's doing.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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