“O Death"

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57 ESV)

It is hard to look around us at the crime, hatred, and loss of life in this world, but for those in Christ, there is the hope of the resurrection. Many have a fear of death and look at those who do not as foolish, even unloving or uncaring about those who love them.

We, as Christians, should look to death as a release from the troubles of this fallen world. Death is a reward for those who persevere in their faith. As one who is left behind, there are no greater words to hear from one in the throes of death than, “I am ready to see my Lord.” Praise God.

We should be glorifying God for giving us this hope. Through Christ's obedience and sacrifice on the cross, we have hope. That cross provides us with this hope. Peter said it well when he wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”(1Peter 1:3) It is the resurrection that provides our hope in eternal life.

Paul speaks of Christ’s victory over death. He also wrote of not only our hope, but the hope for those who have already gone before us, “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”(1 Thessalonians 4:14) It is the reason we rejoice in the resurrection for those who have passed, and eagerly anticipate our own resurrection.

It is hard to imagine facing death with no hope. The fear of the unknown, the loss of hope in anything to come when you are dead. The vacuum of emotion for the one who thinks there is nothing more must be crushing. How sad. It is heartbreaking not to have hope in this life, but as you lie waiting for the grip of death to take hold, how stark to think this is all I am.

My brothers and sisters, remember that we came from dust and to dust we shall return. This machine of a body will come to its expiration date stamped by God. When it does, when we are close to that brief sting, I pray we will all be overcome with the glory of our Savior. In those moments, we can find comfort in the presence of our Lord, as we walk just over that hill to see Him beckoning to us.[1]

Faith means everything. In life and death, it is our faith that saves, that loves, that provides, and that gives hope in all things. Spread the gift of hope, spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people live without hope and love. By sharing the living Word of God, we have the power to transform lives. It is by hearing the gospel that grace is received and faith is born. Three simple words, “My Jesus Saves,” can change someone's life forever. Will you not say them to someone, anyone?

Grace and Peace.

[1] Johnny Cash, 1 Corinthians 15:55, recorded August 14, 2023