“Though death continues to affect us all, it is no longer the enemy that it once was.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 28, 2023
He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10, CSB
In order to receive the profound gift and wonder of life, each of us must contend with the reality of our own death. You could say it is the “cost” of living. Every single human who has lived, is alive now, or will ever live must face the truth that they will one day die. And though existence is itself an unspeakable joy, for many, their mortality is an equally horrific reality, paralyzing even the bravest with a crippling fear.
Into this reality, we hear these incredible words today from St. Paul, who notes that Christ Jesus “has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” In many ways, the reality of our own death and this bold declaration of the “abolishment of death” feel contradictory, do they not? How can we claim with confidence that Christ has abolished death when each of us continues to live in a world in which even the most pious and faithful disciples of Christ die?
Interestingly, though most English translations use the phrase “abolished death” to translate verse 10, there are a few exceptions that may help move us closer to the heart of this truth. Specifically, I find the NLT’s phrasing of this verse to be most profound, saying that Christ “broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life.”
Though death continues to affect us all, it is no longer the enemy that it once was.
As my pastor often says, “Why should we be afraid of so weak an enemy?” Through his own death and resurrection, Christ triumphs over death and shows it to be a conquerable foe, not only for himself, but for all who find their life in his. Christ’s experience of resurrection is an invitation that he extends to us. By finding our life in him, we learn that death is not to be feared but is instead a passage, a door that leads us into true and eternal life. Or, to paraphrase the great John Donne, as those who live on this side of the cross and empty tomb, let us look death in the eyes and say, “You cannot kill me. In fact, you will be no more. Death, you will die.”
Prayer
Father, set us free from the fear of death as we learn to see it as the conquered enemy that it truly is, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Take time today to read and meditate upon John Donne’s poem, Death, Be Not Proud.
Related Reading
Mark 12:27; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55; Revelation 20:14
Worship Resource
Audrey Assad: Death, Be Not Proud
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