Almost, if not all of us, have fears. It is surprising to note that according to some statistics, the fear of public speaking ranks higher now than the fear of death. In actuality, the fear of death is at the core of most of our fears. Some are afraid of dying, and some are afraid of loved ones dying before them.
Jesus intimately knows human nature. And since humans have the natural instinct to fear death, Jesus conquered it. When Jesus rose from the dead, Jesus became victorious over death. As Romans 6:9 says, “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”
So, what is the assurance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to us?
First, be assured of eternal life with Jesus Christ.
Our eternity has started the moment that we receive Jesus Christ in our lives. Our lifespan on Earth cannot be compared with that of eternity. And since there are only two eternal destinations, let us choose to spend our eternity with Jesus Christ.
Second, be assured of living a victorious life.
Death is still there but it will not sting anymore. Paul quoted Isaiah 25:8 when he wrote that “Death has been swallowed up in victory”in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Paul quoted Hosea 13:14 when he said, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
And since death cannot have its sting or to make us paralyze with fear, then we can start living victorious lives. This is what Paul advised us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
So, do not fear death, instead, let us give ourselves fully every day to work in the Lord’s vineyard.
May God bless us all!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications