How Alive?
- Guy Cohen
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
Harvest of Asher
Akko, Israel
When Peter stood up before the crowd in Acts 2, he boldly proclaimed Yeshua's death and resurrection – how Yeshua overcame the grave; how even death could not hold Him.
Death is the greatest fear of humans. But Yeshua says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though he die..." (John 11:25).
Therefore, resurrection is a promise* from God to His people, to you and me. Yeshua is the first to overcome death. In Ezekiel 37 we are given a promise from God that He will resurrect the dry bones and pour His Spirit into them. I pray that we will see with our own eyes the fulfillment of this promise for His people Israel whom He brought from the four corners of the earth, in order to breathe His breath into them (37:9-14).
When Yeshua overcame the grave, He became the firstfruits. “…Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (I Corinthians 15:20).
On that day, Resurrection Sunday, in the Temple, the omer (sheaf of grain) was lifted up and waved before God as a firstfruits offering. From that day, fifty days (seven weeks) were counted out until the time when the whole nation would gather in Jerusalem to offer the full firstfruits of their harvest at Pentecost/Shavuot.
That’s when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first century congregation. This was the beginning of God's promise that His Spirit, thanks to Yeshua's sacrifice on the cross, would dwell in everyone in the world who makes Yeshua His Lord and Savior.
In Him we are made alive. Forever.
*Here are additional places in the Hebrew scriptures that prophesy the resurrection of the dead:
“But your dead will live; their bodies will rise – let those who dwell in the dust wake up and sing for joy.” (Isaiah 26:19)
“And many who sleep in the dust of the ground will wake up, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)
“For You will not abandon My soul to Sheol; You will not allow Your Righteous One to see decay.” (Psalm 16:10)
“You, O God, will redeem my soul from the hand of Sheol...” (Psalm 49:16)
“After two days He will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, and we will live before him.” (Hosea 6:2)
“I will ransom them from Sheol, I will redeem them from death.” (Hosea 13:14)
