So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NKJV)
Death doesn't discriminate. It reaches beyond race, nationality, social class and status. Death affects us all. I can remember all too clearly the first time I experienced the death of a loved one. The loss of my aunt, who was much like a second mother to me, left me heartbroken. At these sad times we think about our own mortality and we are reminded that this earth is not our home. I want to share with you some reminders that comforted me while I grieved. I pray that they are an encouragement to you as well.
Death is only a sleep - There are several scriptures in the bible that compares death to a sleep. One such example is when Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. John 11:11-14, “Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” The disciples said, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!” They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.” Our loved ones are simply resting until the second coming of Christ.
God will comfort you.- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” We can trust that our heavenly Father will comfort us like a child is comforted by his earthly father when he is hurt. Allow God to heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds (Psalm 47:3). Don’t forget to pay it forward and comfort and comfort someone in need, just as God comforted you.
Mourn with hope - Even Jesus mourned. He wept for the passing of his friend, knowing that he would resurrect him (John 11:35). However, for believers in Christ, we mourn with HOPE! “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Grieve, but also rejoice knowing that you will one day be reunited with your loved one again.
I look forward to the day when there will be no more pain, no more suffering and no more tears. God has already won, and death is a defeated foe. ‘Where, Oh death, is your victory? Where, Oh death, where is your sting?’. Today, you can celebrate! Jesus died, for you! And He rose again! Through Him, you are free from the sting of death! Through Him, you can live in victory!
Did you enjoy the devotional? Share it using hashtag 'deathdefeated' and let’s globalize the gospel together!'
Comments