A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren
Thousands of years ago Job asked a question about death that has continued to plague mankind. “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14). Science may be able to prolong life but not cheat death. Everyone knows death is inevitable and it’s only natural that people want to know what happens after we die.
Death can be hard to face. The Bible refers to it as our final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). A loved one’s death can fill us with helplessness or if it comes quickly, anger. Facing our own death may have us feeling fearful, uncertain, perhaps defeated. Even those who bail out of life with suicide are hoping for something better.
At this time of year, we are reminded of one who lived and died for us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He came to earth, lived among us, and freely died for us. But death was not the end of the story for He rose from the dead and is victorious. “…Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 55).
The good news is that Christ’s victory over death is ours as well. He fought the battle for us. All we have to do is to choose to partake of this victory in Christ as John 5:24 tells us. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” This has nothing to do with living a good life or earning salvation. It comes from believing and trusting God.
Job’s question can be answered because at death our “perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death doesn’t have to be the end; it can be the beginning. Death is swallowed in victory.
Although I don’t want to rush this victorious process by embracing premature death, it brings me joy and comfort to know Christ’s resurrection gives me blessed assurance. When the women came to Christ’s tomb they were told, “He is not here; he is risen…” (Matthew 28:6). He is risen and lives today—and because He lives, we shall live also.
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Lord, many who ignore You all year long celebrate Easter. It’s not because of bunnies and chocolate eggs; it’s because only You can give what this hurting world needs. Hope! People want to believe in You but are sometimes afraid to embrace Your truth. You are the Way, the Truth, the Life. You are my life and I thank You for the resurrection. I don’t have to fear death because You have conquered the grave.
