October 8: THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF DEATH

In 2 Corinthians 6:17, Paul throws down the challenge to Christians to break out of our cultural mold when he quotes our Lord saying, “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate.” At no place is this more evident than in overcoming the “American way of death.”
We should celebrate death as a victorious experience that releases us to the presence of God for Eternity. This is our real life! This is what we have been hoping to begin! We don’t need to spend a lot of money on a beautiful wooden box that will be sealed in another steel box or concrete box that will keep us dry.
Ancient Egypt was famous for mummifying bodies and decorating them to look attractive for the next life, but we know there is no way to make a corpse “look good”. The ugliness of death is mocked by 1 Corinthians 15:55: “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?”
Surely, we weep at the feelings of loss when a dear one leaves us, but “God will wipe away every tear from our eyes” (Revelation 7:17). We don’t sorrow or “grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
The Resurrection of Jesus has turned it all around for us. Our goal should be that our dying not be remembered by expensive flowers that will wither in a few days but by simple words that can testify to the reality of our commitment to Jesus as Lord of our lives.
Our best memorials will not be carved in stone but living memorials of people who were changed by our loving them in Jesus’ name!
“Death has been swallowed up in victory!” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The day they bury your earthly remains deserves a great celebration at the church house where you currently attend.

“Thank You, Father, that death has no threat over us and that we truly
have victory over death through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen”