Free From Fear of Death
So then, as the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were throughout their lives subject to bondage.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Jesus said of Satan, “The thief does not come, except to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). But if the devil can distract you, he doesn’t need to kill you - because what distracts you will destroy your effectiveness and make you useless to the Kingdom.
One way Satan can, and does, distract you is by instilling a fear of death in you. If you are forever worried that you or a loved one is going to die one day, your focus will be on impending death rather than on what God wants to do in you and through you.
But here is a truth we must never forget: the death rate is still stubbornly stuck at one hundred percent. Unless the rapture occurs in our lifetime, nobody is leaving this earth alive. We are all going to die one day. But death is not the end! We are just passing through on this people planet.
Most of us will spend several decades here, and the rest of eternity with God in heaven. I don’t know how believers can be afraid of what will usher them into heaven. The good news is that Jesus came to deliver you from the fear of death.
If you are a blood-bought believer in our Lord Jesus Christ, you will spend eternity with Him when you die. That is not something to fear, it is something to anticipate with great expectation. The apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).
When we get to heaven, we will wonder why we were so afraid to leave earth. We must live each day knowing it could be our last, and die knowing that we will live forever. Jesus defeated death through His resurrection from the dead. That is why Paul could confidently say in 1 Corinthians 15:54: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” As believers, we no longer need to cower in fear, wondering when death will come calling. We can hold our heads up and accomplish our life’s purpose, and when it is over, we can anticipate meeting our Lord and Savior face to face in a full manifestation of His glory. That’s not defeat; that is ultimate victory!
Lord, help me remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance, and wisdom over my heart as I prepare to go into my day. Amen.
Further Reading
- Hebrews 2:14-15
- Romans 8:18
- 1 Corinthians 15:54
