03/07/2021
In this time of pandemic we have had our eyes fixed dramatically on dying, and many of us have watched as our loved ones have wasted away until death finally claimed them, and they were committed to the ground. Some of us are mortally struggling for our own lives right now, but although the prospect of recovering our health might often seem bleak, take heart, because as Christians, we have already won victory over death in Christ... not bodily, but eternally in our inner spiritual selves. Each day as our health dwindles away, the eyes of our soul are opened wider to our faith, and the peace of God draws nearer.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
As a young person I saw aging, illness, and death as something very distant, and the reality of it was foreign, and quite truthfully, frightening to me. These things involving death and dying remained a mystery to me until one day while I was swimming in a lake they became very real. In that moment of my drowning I heard the voice of Christ, and felt the exhilaration of God’s presence. My body was dying, but my soul was with the Lord, and my fear vanished, being transformed into pure joy. This is our victory, not to remain bodily young, healthy, and vibrantly alive in this world, but eternally renewed in spirit and with God in heaven... a place of indescribable joy and peace.
For me this happened suddenly as a teenager, but then I was miraculously returned to my body, and life was breathed back into me. A miracle had indeed occurred, and I was allowed a glimpse of what was to be, then returned to my earthly existence where once more I began the natural process of wasting away through years of aging, sickness, and the other things that lead to a natural mortal death. I once again pursued my faith day by day... waiting expectantly for my body to finally expire, and for my soul to rejoin the divine once more. No fear, just anticipation, and an intimate understanding of Christ’s victory over death. The apostle Paul knew this, and didn’t fear death either... Listen to his words:
“Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.””
Acts 21:13-14 ESV
For most of us life on earth is all we know, so physical death is all we really know too, but there is much more that awaits us. I feel a bit like Thomas who had to put his hand into the side of Jesus to believe, because for some reason I was shown the truth of Christ’s victory over death rather than coming to know and believe by faith alone.. as so saints many do.
“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””
John 20:27-29 ESV
So whether by a devastating pandemic, a miracle, or a lifetime of aging, we are made to believe, and believe we do. By our faith the sting of death is gone... conquered by Jesus on Calvary. Have you come to that moment of belief? Is the fear of death gone from you? Can you grasp the victory of Jesus over death?
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?””
John 11:25-26 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who has conquered sin, and death, that we might have eternal life with you. Thank you Lord for revealing the fleeting moment of our physical demise, and the eternity that awaits us with you. Help us Lord as we face the trials of life that diminish our mortal bodies, even unto death, and give us strength in our faith as we trust in your promise of eternity with you through Jesus. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who takes our earthly body in exchange for an immortal one that will never know death. Praised be your name for leading us to a greater faith in you, Jesus, and all the promises your Word, and the gospel of Christ speak to us of. Merciful are you Lord who loves us so much that even while we were yet lost in sin you sent Jesus to redeem us... not only to make us pure and righteous until death, but to walk with us into life everlasting with you. Your grace is our blessing for we have no right to your forgiveness except by your goodness offered by it through Jesus. We worship you Father, and pray that you will find us cleansed by Christ on the day we stand before you and await your judgement. We pray you will see only Jesus in us, and thus find us worthy of everlasting life in your presence.... claiming then and for all eternity His conquest over sin, and death.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.””
Revelation 21:4-5 ESV
Rich Forbes