When loss happens it’s as if time stops. One moment life is relatively predictable with it’s routines, habits, and relationships. In an instant, death intrudes and snatches away a husband, a daughter, a mother, or a friend. It’s as if our world halts yet the rest of society continues. Many mourners experience a sense of living in two separate realities. On the one hand, there is the world that they feel they used to be a part of and on the other hand there is the chaos that they live in now. The intense pain caused by any type of death leaves us without hope. This is why Jesus had to put an end to the power of death.
Whether it is suicide, homicide, terminal illness, motor vehicle tragedy or old age; death represents physical separation from someone we love. This is why the cross was required. I often wondered how a loving God could allow His blameless son to suffer and die such a violent end. I get it now. Jesus had to courageously enter into death and battle for our souls. This is not a metaphor, it is a reality. We don’t face death alone anymore. Death is no longer our end. Death is now a physical reality of a spiritual victory. If we face death courageously with Jesus, it is never going to end in failure. Don’t be deceived that this world is all that there is beloved! Our hope is eternal not earthly. Rest in the arms of the Redeemer that battled for your soul. Grieve, scream and weep with Jesus. Don’t try it alone.
- “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8
- “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” John 8:51
- “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55
- “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9
- “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14
- “Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” Matthew 26:38
- “…but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…” 2 Timothy 1:10
