and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (II Timothy 1:10 ESV)
Death and Faith
Bees used to terrify me. I had grown up believing that a bee sting would destroy me. Allergies, maybe, or perhaps those railroad spikes piercing my tender skin and skewering my flesh. For years I would run from a bee, wasp, hornet, or any sting-weaponed thing.
Then one summer at a lodge in Minnesota I was stung, repeatedly. It hurt. But the stings did not destroy me. My arm did not fall off. The pain eventually diminished. Later, I laughed (a little) about it.
But I have not feared bees since that time. At least not as much. I am not saying that they are my favorite part of creation, but that one event in my past has vanquished my fear. Past events can do that.
Almost 2000 years ago Jesus kicked death in the teeth. For Christians, He changed death from a terrible and just punishment, into the entrance gateway to heaven. Death is still sad, but Jesus changed death into life.
The idea of death can be terrifying. But remember what Jesus did to death. His past victory offers present peace, and exciting hope.
Take the faith God grants us.