Death to Fear
We're all pretty different. Different tastes in restaurants. Different sizes of televisions. Different favorite places to go on vacation. But one thing that's common to every man on earth is this: we're all on a collision course with death. Except for those living among the blessed generation who will still be filling out their dress shirts when Jesus comes back, no one's getting out of here alive.
And some people have a hard time living with that.
Think of how this one particular slice of reality hangs over your head on any given day. Think of how hard you fight to keep yourself looking young and age-defiant. Think of the medical scenarios that run through your head when you feel a new twinge or body ache, when an unexpected pain catches in your chest or side. Think of what happens when you realize it could have just as easily been you killed in the bridge collapse or tornado damage reported on the news tonight.
But Jesus, the Bible says, has died in our place "so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death" (Hebrews 2:15). Yes, death is a heavy subject to ponder. But it doesn't have to hold us in slavery or overwhelm us in fear. Because of Jesus, we not only live forever. We can live free right now.
Pray this prayer: God, I don't like to think about going through the suffering and separation of death. But I pray you'll help me live in the confidence of heaven, so that I can keep from being afraid of dying.
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