DEATH DESTROYED!

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (NRSV)
That God may be all in all

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.

For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "All things are put in subjection," it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all.


DEVOTION

I've been thinking a lot about life and death lately. As I am aging, I am beginning to see more family and friends begin the long walk into the sunset, either because of illness or old age.

As a result, I have begun to intentionally meditate on what it means to live life and that more abundantly! I have begun to pray about how to walk with Jesus in such a way that my life--and legacy--will be one that I am proud of when I stand before God in Heaven.

Today's scripture reading says that "The last enemy to be destroyed is death."

We know that the Bible teaches us that death became a part of the human condition because of our sin. But, we also know that when Jesus was resurrected, he arose victorious over sin, death, and the grave!

When we put all of our hope in Jesus, we are "made alive in Christ!" This being "made alive" gives us the certain assurance that whilst our earthly bodies may waste away, our spirits will live eternally with God!

It is a sad reality that even many of us Christians strive hard to hold on to this fragile existence that we have on Earth. When we--or a loved one--become sick unto death, we become very, very afraid, as if we don't know what is going to happen.

My friends, this is very natural because as human beings we generally fear the unknown.

But, today's good news message is that when we are in Christ, we do not need to be afraid. Good things are around the bend and our eternal life with God is going to be even more wonderful than we can think, hope, or imagine!

The lives we are living here on the earth are a precious gift; and we ought to cherish them! But, the gift of eternal life in the heavens with Jesus will be even more so.

Be at peace, precious saints of God! Our loved ones who have passed away are in glory land and we will be blessed and privileged to join them--when the time is right!

Have you been consumed with a fear of dying? If so, please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you that the Bible promises that you are strong enough to have conquered even death on my behalf! Because your Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save me from my sin and gift me with eternal life, I know--and believe--that I have an eternal home in the heavens with you. Although the exact details of my new life are unknown to me, I know that I will be at blessed peace with no more pain, fear, or tears. Please give me the courage to believe that you will be with me every step of the way--in this world and in the world to come. I love you and I truly believe that Jesus died and rose again to assure my eternal life. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can share this good news with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html