Death Shall Die

The other day, a most unusual thing happened to me. Somebody heard that I was dead. It gave me a strange feeling. We had to call several folk we know and assure that them I am still alive. But I began to think of death, my death especially. Someday,if Jesus does not come before, I shall die. I would hope that I being dead will still speak (Heb.11:4) as a testimony to the grace of God.

I also began to reflect on death in other ways. "Absent from the body and present with the Lord" (II Cor.5:8). I am sure that when I die my body will turn to ashes, but I shall live with the Lord forever. At His coming, my body will rise from the dead even as Christ rose from the dead and my soul and new body will be with Christ. It will be a miracle that only God, the creator could achieve. He created life out of earth to begin with. Why is it so hard to believe that He can do it a second time out of ashes?

Jesus has defeated death. According to Heb. 2:14-16 "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise partook of the same things, that through death
He might destroy (i.e. render powerless) 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..."

Paul, the apostle bravely as he thought of death said resolutely: "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" Phil. 1:21). By trusting in the Word of God and examining Christ's own resurrection we can confidently say with John Donne "Death shall die". This is he Christian's hope. I have this great hope within me and, as a result, I do not fear death!