Death has been popping up a lot this week. While no one close to me has died, it has come up in conversation as a number of people and animals in the lives of my friends have passed. It is never a fun thing to discuss, but it is part of life.
This week while at a Somali mall Kaelin and I talked to a Muslim woman named Habiba. Kaelin asked her what she prays about to God. She said she prays to not go to hell, because she is a afraid going there despite her religion. On Friday I talked to a fellow who believes in parallel universes that he would go to when he dies… but he also feared the unknown and has equally as much fear of death.
Through these and other conversations and words from Pastor Cor last sunday, I’ve really realized how freeing it would be to not fear death. Which ultimately is where a Christian should be if they believe in what Jesus did for them. I think I’m at that point, although I do still harbor worry and fear for what would happen to my wife and family and whoever else I leave behind (even though I know God would take care of them).
But ultimately I do feel great freedom, because I trust in what God has promised. He promises eternal life (1 John 2:25) through Jesus Christ . That is really GOOD NEWS!
Here’s a little passage to think on:
14Since 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, 15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. – Hebrews 2:14-15
Jesus became human to FREE US from slavery to death and fear. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16)