When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. Revelation 6:9

Jesus has conquered death; therefore, followers of Jesus need not fear death. You may have a fear of dying, but not of death. For the believer in Christ, death is a pass through, a transition from this life to the next. Death is not final for it is the doorway to eternity. Eternity is being in the physical presence of Jesus. Everything we have experienced with Christ on earth is an appetizer of what is to come. Faith can only digest a mere morsel of what God has in store for those who love Him.

Like Abel the first martyr (Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:10)—John honors those who have and will sacrifice their life on the altar of the Lord’s love, because of the transforming life of Christ dwelling in them. Courageous heroes of the faith do not compromise the truth of God’s Word, nor do they betray their loyal testimony to Jesus. Death releases us from the pain of suffering—which molds our character and faith in Christ. Jesus replaces fear of death with hope in heaven.

“Faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:5).

Death is freedom, it is not to be feared. So, in the meantime, make every effort to prepare yourself and others for death. The fear of death creeps in where there has been no preparation. You can ignore its reality but you will still die. You can deny death, but not its consequences. You may have a chance to repent on your deathbed, but why wait? Go with God’s sure thing, faith in Christ. He has died and risen from the dead to give you life—faith overcomes fear.

The depth of wisdom that comes from the dying has the aroma of heaven—life is evaluated through pure priorities in expectation of death. Being with the dying prepares you for dying, as it is preparation for the one receiving care and for the caregiver. Death is an absolute. It may come suddenly or at the end of a long process, but either way God can be trusted. God is great and He is good. Because Jesus died and rose again, you will do the same. Fear God only and trust Christ.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory?…But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-57).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me to die to whatever is not of You, so I can live with You.

Application: Who needs my comfort and prayers in light of their loss of a loved one to death?

Related Readings: Matthew 27:52; Mark 8:35; John 12:23-25; 1 Corinthians 15:42-58

 

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