FOLLOWERS OF JESUS NEED NOT FEAR DEATH!
FOLLOWERS OF JESUS NEED NOT FEAR DEATH!
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. —Hebrews 2:9
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. —Hebrews 2:14-15
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. —I Corinthians 15:54-58
This is truly astounding that the Son of God would take on flesh and for a little while (33 years) be “made lower than the angels.” He was “crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death.” This all happened by God’s grace so Jesus could “taste death for everyone.”
“Taste death for everyone!” Jesus experienced death… for everyone! Think about that. There was so much that happened at the cross. It is awesomely astounding as we consider the cross. Jesus took the penalty and punishment for all sin for all time—past, present and future (I John 2:2). Jesus took the sorrow and grief for all for all time—past, present and future (Isaiah 53:4). In the above verses we see that Jesus experienced death for all for all time—past, present and future.
Jesus destroyed the power of Satan over sin. This goes back to the Garden of Eden where the deceiver deceived Eve and then Adam also ate of the forbidden fruit— sin and death entered. But now Jesus has destroyed the power of sin and death for all who call on His Name (Romans 10:13). We are victorious over sin and death through Jesus. Praise His Name!
Yesterday a brother that was so dear to me passed over into glory. He is the fortunate one and has experience this victory over death. He will be deeply missed. Let us be encouraged with the truth of God’s Word that we too will experience this victory over death in the not too distant future and be with Jesus and all who love Him! Until then “my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Yes, may this be so!
Dear Father, thank You that Joe has finished his race that You had marked out for Him. Now may I continue to run faithfully until my race is finished. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-1fwZtKJSM