Saturday, October 2, 2010

Death Already Defeated

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken." -- Isaiah 25:7-8

This has been a tough week for many people. Death seems to be everywhere. How does a person say goodbye to a spouse of more than 50 years? How does a family bury a vibrant young woman whose life has only just begun? We cling to the hope that is Jesus Christ. We remember that God has promised to one day wipe away our tears.


These verses comfort us. God says that He will destroy death for "all peoples." All believers will have eternal life with Him. It's not based on money or social standing or worthiness. It's based on belief in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for us. I am so grateful.

I think what I love most is that last line, "The Lord has spoken." It's the ultimate "God said so" kind of moment. That's all any of us really need to know. God always keeps His promises.

Of course, it doesn't take away the immediate pain or the sorrow that the coming days and weeks will bring. Separation is hard. So we cling to His promise and the certain knowledge that we will one day see our loved one again.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That verse is John 3:16. Most Christians can quote it from memory. We keep it closed to our hearts. We cling to its promise. Jesus Christ defeated death. Glory Hallelujah!