We, the Free.
Since 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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. - Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV
The writer of Hebrews takes great care in showing how Jesus’ death was no accident, and no defeat. Instead of His death being a reason to doubt His identity and power, it’s proved to be the reason for our faith in His character and nature. His death was no defeat, it was in fact a victory. Jesus’ death was a victory over sin and the devil, and paradoxically, a victory over death itself.
Today’s Scripture reminds us that Jesus destroyed the devil and delivered those previously under his power. We have been delivered from the slavery of the fear of death. Those who have been born of the Spirit, into a living hope, are no longer controlled by the fear of death, knowing that Jesus Christ has overcome it, and secured eternal life for all who believe in Him.
The fear of death is a complicated mixture. It includes a fear of pain and suffering, fear of missing out, of loss and of losing control, a fear of the unknown, and a fear of futility. All of us fear some or all of these elements, but we need not be controlled by them. The bizarre circumstances that we are experiencing globally due to the Corona virus are inextricably linked to the fear of death. The world is firmly under the control of this fear, but we needn’t be. Scripture defeats these fears at every turn.
God’s gives meaning and purpose to our suffering, it is not wasted, nor is it futile (Romans 8:28). Scripture promises that God has prepared and preserved the best for us in heaven, earthly loss is temporary and we will not miss out on anything (1 Peter 1:3-4). God is in control, not us (Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21). God knows the unknown and and has determined the way through it (Isaiah 46:10). The truth of Scripture makes it clear that though we may experience the fear of death, it should not control us, because Jesus has taken control, and demonstrated control, over all these through His death and resurrection.
Dear Father God, we are living in troubling times, and we come to You as our refuge, and place of safety. Thank You for our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious victory of the sin, death and the devil. Thank You for the truth, given to us in Scripture. Help us to meditate on it Lord, and trust in the promises that it contains. Please help us to bring this truth to the world, who is desperately searching for it. In Jesus Name. Amen.
You came for criminals and every pharisee
You came for hypocrites, even one like me
You carried sin and shame the guilt of every man
The weight of all I've done nailed into Your hands
Oh, Your love bled for me Oh, Your blood in crimson streams
Oh, Your death is hell's defeat A cross meant to kill is my victory
Oh, Your amazing grace, I've seen and tasted it
It's running through my veins I can't escape its grip
in You my soul is safe You cover everything
Oh, Your love bled for me Oh, Your blood in crimson streams
Oh, Your death is hell's defeat A cross meant to kill is my victory
Behold the Lamb of God Who takes away our sin, who takes away our sin
The holy Lamb of God Makes us alive again,
Makes us alive again
Freedom is precious. What a blessing to think about this freedom that Jesus Christ has earned, and freely gives to those who trust and obey Him. Something so wonderfully valuable should not be kept to ourselves but freely shared. Pray with us that the Lord will show us how to give it freely as we have freely received, especially in this time where so many are desperately enslaved to fear.