The whole world is gripped by fear of death. Covid-19 means the reality of death confronts everyone and so, across the world, people have changed the way they live to minimise the risk of contracting the disease, of passing it on, and of being seriously ill ourselves or dying.
As Christians we are called to love our neighbours, so it is right that we take wise precautions to avoid catching and passing on the disease. But there is something that should mark Christians out as different: according to Hebrews 2:14-15, we should be free from the fear of death.
“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
There is so much here, it is going to take a few days to meditate on it and have the truth fill our hearts and transform our minds.
For today, let’s meditate on this: “through death He might destroy… the devil.”
The word translated “destroy” means “to reduce to inactivity.” For the Christian, the devil can still tempt us (Matthew 4:1-11) and accuse us (Revelation 12:10), but he has no final power.
He has been defeated through the cross –
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him [Jesus], having forgiven us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Colossians 2:13-15, ESV
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:14-15, ESV
I will share more tomorrow but, for today, let these scriptures refresh you. If you are a Christian, be assured, the devil does not control your death, he does not own your life, and he does not rule your destiny. You belong to Jesus Christ who died for you and rose again.
The best is yet to come 