All created beings begin to die as soon as they begin to live. This is a sobering truth that we often try to ignore or deny. We live in a world where death is inevitable, and we are constantly reminded of its presence and power. But how should we, as people of faith, respond to this reality?
Death is not part of God’s original design for creation. God created everything good and beautiful, and gave humans the gift of life and the responsibility to care for the earth. But when humans rebelled against God and chose to follow their own way, sin and death entered the world. Sin corrupted everything, and death became the consequence and the enemy of life.
But God did not abandon us to this fate. God loves us so much that God sent God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from sin and death. Jesus lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death, and rose again in victory over death. He defeated the power of death and opened the way for us to have eternal life with God. He also promised to return one day and make all things new, where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
This is the hope that we have as Christians. We do not have to fear death, because we know that it is not the end of our story. We have a living Savior who has conquered death and who holds us in His hands. We have a loving Creator who gives us life and who will never let us go. We have a glorious future where we will see God face to face and enjoy God’s presence forever.
But what does this mean for us now, as we live in this world where death is still a reality? How do we cope with the loss of our loved ones, the pain of our own mortality, and the uncertainty of our future?
First, we need to acknowledge that death is an enemy that we hate and grieve. It is okay to feel sad, angry, or afraid when we face death. God understands our emotions and comforts us in our sorrow. God invites us to express our feelings to God in prayer, and to seek God’s help and strength.
Second, we need to remember that death is not final or fatal. It is a temporary separation that we endure. We have the assurance that those who die in Christ are with Him in paradise, and that we will see them again when He comes back. We also have the confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love, not even death. God is with us in life and in death, and God will never leave us or forsake us.
Third, we need to celebrate that life is a gift and a calling. It is a precious and sacred thing that we receive from God and that we share with others. We are called to live our lives in gratitude, joy, and love. We are called to honor God with our bodies, minds, and souls. We are called to serve God with our gifts, talents, and resources. We are called to bless God’s creation with our care, compassion, and justice.
Life and death are realities that we all face. But we do not face them alone or without hope. We have a God who is the source and the goal of our life, and who has defeated our death. Let us trust in God, follow Jesus, and live by the Spirit. Let us live and die for the glory of God.
Prayer
Dear God,
We thank You for the gift of life that You have given us. We praise You for Your love and grace that sustain us in this world. We acknowledge that we live in a fallen and broken world, where sin and death are realities that we face every day. We confess that we often try to ignore or deny the truth of our mortality, and that we sometimes doubt Your presence and power in the midst of our pain and loss.
We ask You, God, to help us face death with faith and hope. Remind us that You have sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us from sin and death. Help us to trust in His death and resurrection, and to follow His example of living and dying for Your glory. Assure us that nothing can separate us from Your love, and that You are with us in life and in death.
We also ask You, God, to help us celebrate life with gratitude and joy. Help us to see the beauty and goodness of Your creation, and to honor You with our bodies, minds, and souls. Help us to use our gifts, talents, and resources to serve You and Your kingdom. Help us to care for Your creation and Your people with compassion and justice.
We pray for those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and for those who are facing their own death. Comfort them with Your peace and presence, and give them the hope of Your promises. We look forward to the day when You will return and make all things new, where there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.
We thank You, God, for being the source and the goal of our life, and for defeating our death. We love You, God, and we worship You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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