No, we are not trying to be morbid this week. But death is inevitable for all of us unless we get swept up in the rapture, which would be my preferred choice. However, we as true followers of Christ do not have to worry about death. I love 1 Corinthians 15:55 as Paul asks,
“WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR VICTORY? WHERE, O DEATH, IS YOUR STING?”
We no longer have to fear death when we are in Christ because He has conquered death and given us an eternal glorious Christ with the Father. In this week’s article, Nader shows us even more why we do not have to worry about dying as Christians.
----------------------------------------
I remember on one of the Christian programs on a satellite channel, a pastor was teaching and referred to the September 11 attacks in the United States. He said: “When this incident happened, most people became theist and there was talk of God, heaven, hell and judgment day everywhere.” This is an example of our reaction as mortal mankind in the face of death. But what is really going on in this world?
When I walk in my thoughts throughout the world and pass through the streets of Tehran, Moscow, London, Paris, New York, etc., I look at all people, young and old, and see that not everyone becomes a rich businessman, not everyone becomes famous, not everyone becomes a doctor or an engineer, not everyone becomes a president or a prime minister, not everyone commits suicide, not everyone steals, not everyone becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol, not everyone becomes a murderer, not everyone becomes religious, not everyone becomes a parent, not everyone becomes an astronaut , etc.... but everyone dies. Yes, the only thing that happens to everyone is death. Everyone dies with 100% surety. Death is one of the few things in the world that has 100% statistics, and it happens with impartiality to everyone
“This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of m are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” Ecclesiastes 9:3
Death is standing at the end of the corridor of every human life. I see death light its cigar and puffs on it, blowing the smoke in the face of human beings and roaring with laughter, then devours the human and sends it to the dark world of the dead. Christ the Lord simply described it the death rich man who was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. (See Luke 16:22-23)
In such a moment, no one and nothing can save man from the arms of death, no money, no power, no parents or family or friends, no job, no philosophy and nothing else under the sky. But with the exception of Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life and the Lord over both the dead and the living, and who has destroyed death, bringing life and immortality. (See Romans 14:9, 2 Timothy 1:10, John 11:25-26)
Yes, we can see the indescribable divine power of Christ over death in the resurrection of Lazarus. In this case, Jesus has purposefully waited until death is undeniable and Martha is understandably worried about her brother's rotting corpse. There is a crowd and for the sake of that crowd Jesus openly declares that He is acting on the power and authority of God. Then He calls a dead man to life. The power of raising the dead is the highest of which we can imagine. It implies not just giving life to the deceased body, but the power of entering the world of spirits, of recalling the departed soul, and of reuniting it with the body. He was able to do this, because He is omniscient as well as omnipotent and Jesus did it by His own power, proving that He was divine. (See 1 Peter 3:18-22).
So, Christians in union with Christ are not devoured by death like the people of the world but fall asleep and then open their eyes in the arms of Christ. As Paul simply describes it:
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Now in such a situation in which today's churches have become like the world, do they think about death and facing it? But what did true Christians think about death in centuries past?
* Macrina the Younger (327 – 19 July 379):
You have released us, O Lord, from the fear of death. You have made the end of life here on earth a beginning of true life for us. You let our bodies rest in sleep in due season and you awaken them again at the sound of the last trumpet.
* Evagrius Ponticus (345 – 399):
Always remember death and do not forget the final judgment, then your soul will not make a mistake.
* Blaise Pascal (19 June 1623 – 19 August 1662):
Reflect on death as in Jesus Christ, not as without Jesus Christ. Without Jesus Christ it is dreadful, it is alarming, it is the terror of nature. In Jesus Christ it is fair and lovely, it is good and holy, it is the joy of saints.
* Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968):
If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
Oh yes, the only key to victory over death is to be united with Christ. But let us examine our hearts according to these verses to find out where in the world we really stand in relation to Christ!!!
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Nader your little brother in CHRIST
GOD BLESS YOU. AMEN
Comments