“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Heb 2:14-15 ESV)
I must confess that I am not looking forward to death. I know that I am trusting the Lord Jesus Christ for my eternity. I am going to go to heaven when I die. But still I am not looking forward to dying.
I am also disturbed by the realization of just how short this life really is. I get a melancholy feeling when I think of my past, and realize how long ago some of it has been. It it keeps becoming longer and longer ago!
I believe to some degree, what I have described above is normal. However, when the fear of death becomes a life controlling fear, then life itself has become an idol. People who have no hope for life after this life are particularly prone to become enslaved to this idolatry.
The Lord Jesus Christ became one of us. He subjected Himself to the hardships of this life, and the pangs of an angonizing death. He rose again from the dead. Why? Well among other things to deliver us from the slavery of this life controlling fear of death.
How could the martyrs of the past, as well as those of the present lay down their lives rather than denounce their Christ? Answer: Through faith in Christ they have been delivered from the fear of death.
As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need not fear living or dying. We are the only ones who are truly free.
2 comments:
I can completely relate to your feelings about death. I too have had those feelings. This is a good post! Thank you for posting! I love you! Miss you lots!!!!
from "Finally Home"
But just think of stepping on shore ~ and finding it Heaven!
Of touching a hand ~ and finding it God's!
Of breathing new air ~ and finding it celestial!
Of waking up in Glory! ~ and finding it home.
~ Don Wertzen
Attending a funeral of a wondrous lady and Nonagenarian (someone between 90 and 99 years of age); the above poem came to mind. I am very sure that she could grant you this in a positive way. The missing sting of death and fear thereof is nothing to the reward she is now experiencing.
I remain your Friend
David L. McMullen
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