“For as much, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same—that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil—and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
Hebrews 2:14-15
Although often called “The Great Enemy,” we should never fear it—not when the One Who conquered death and the grave lives in our hearts.
It’s no respecter of persons. . .robbing the cradle and geriatric ward. . .making unexpected visits both to palaces and homeless paupers’ cardboard boxes. . .and terrorizing the up-and-coming and the down-and-out alike.
Such is the nature of Death.
Ushered into this world by Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:19; I Cor. 15:21a, 22a), Death has been in this fallen world ever since. Lurking in the shadows like a lion waiting to pounce upon its unsuspecting victim, so is Death a “thief in the night,” who seemingly delights in pulling hearts out by their roots and shattering the dreams of both friend and foe alike.
No amount of diet and exercise can prevent his coming.
It’s not a matter of “if;” it’s a matter of “when.”
That’s why someone once said “We’re all but one heartbeat away from death.” And, it’s that start reality that causes so many to die without ever having lived at all. As the ‘ole saying goes, “They spend their health to gain their wealth and then spend their wealth to save their health”. . . “grabbing for all the gusto they can get”. . .forgetting that everything (and everyone) will ultimately fall victim to “rust, rot and robbers” (Mt. 6:19-21).
Yet, into this morbid Reality the Savior came.
With Healing in His Hands.
And, He let the devil and Death give Him their best shot.
But, they couldn’t defeat Him or keep that stone from rolling away from the Tomb.
That morning—an early Sunday morning on the first day of the Feast of Firstfruits in the Jewish Passover week—Jesus stepped forth from the grave and gave a Wave Offering up to Heaven in celebration of His Victory. He said “Death, you’re finished!” (I Cor. 15:25-26) and “Sinner, you’re free—free from the guilt of sin. . .and free from the fear of death. . .if you’ll only place your faith/trust in Me.” Hallelujah!!
We’re told to “number our days so we can apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:12); yet, none of us know how long we’re going to be on this earth, realizing instead our lives “are as vapors that appear for a little while and then vanish away” (James 3:13-14). How, then, can we number our days?
By simply remembering the most important day in life is that day we surrender our lives to the One With nail-scars in His Hands. When Jesus enters the heart, fear flees out the door—or should. Therefore, do not live enslaved any longer to “the fear of death;” you’re free!
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 24, 2010
