Resurrection Day 2: Death, where is your sting?

I keep having this thought…

Jesus paid it all…is that enough for you?

We proclaim, “Jesus, You are more than enough for me.”  We sing that He is all we need.  We wear the t-shirts and say, “God is all I need.”  But do we really mean it?  Is it just something we think sounds good and makes us look like good people? 

We say God is enough, then when tragedy strikes, we turn to the One we once held in esteem and scream, blame, and accuse Him of doing this bad thing to us…

Often, we hold death against God.  We accuse Him of taking our loved ones.  We hold a grudge. We pout and shout and pull away from God as we stand accusing Him of “doing” this to us.  The line between love and hate is so very thin.

It’s funny how much easier it is for people to believe that God is responsible for bad things, than it is for them to believe that He is blessing them.  Most people are quicker to accuse God than they are to believe that He is working something for good in their lives.  Isn’t that crazy?  Why are we so quick to believe bad things about our Father and all to slow to believe He wants to bless us?

If we believe Jesus paid it all, then don’t we see death as a beginning…not an end?  Doesn’t death become a gift not a punishment? 

I often remember this scripture…

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.  Philippians 1:21

In light of this verse, how does your perspective of losing loved ones adjust?  How can we bemoan God for giving and taking away?

And in consideration of your own life…do you fear death?  Do you live life in such a way to simply protect yourself at all costs, and in all situations?

No matter where you currently lie on this issue…you can always ask God for the grace to release the fear of death and instead embrace the fullness of life. If we fear death, then we cannot truly live. His grace is sufficient. 

It’s time to resurrect a life lived to the full!

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives in his train and gave gifts to me.”  (What does “He ascended” mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one Who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)  Ephesians 4:7-10

He descended to ascend and create victory.  Victory over death and the grave…and while we are here…we have been given grace from Christ, in proportion to our need.  What a wonderful God we serve!

Thank You, God for the gift of life! I repent of all my fears and ask that You teach me how to fully live. I lay down offense and ask for contentment with Your decisions. Help me to trust You more every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.