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56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
The victory over the grave is the greatest truth that anyone can know. It is a truth we all need to know, deep down, it needs to mark our souls, because it gives it gives us hope and power.
There is a story little story I love, whose author is unknown that talks about this victory over the grave and what a great truth it is. The story says:
All over the world, there is a preacher of the old school; he speaks as boldly as ever, even today though. He is not popular, though the world is his parish and he travels every part of the globe and speaks in every language. He visits the poor, calls upon the rich, preaches to people of every religion and no religion and the subject of his sermon is always the same. He is an eloquent preacher, often stirring feelings which no other preacher could, and brings tears to eyes that never weep. His arguments, none are able to refute, nor is there any heart that has remained unmoved by the force of his appeals. He shatters life with his message. Most people hate him, everyone fears him, his name? Death. Every tombstone is his pulpit. Every newspaper prints his text, and someday, every person will become his sermon.
This story especially speaks to me this year, as I think about what has transpired and caused us to celebrate separately. However, even though we are apart we see the hope of that which has overcome, even the great preacher, death. For those who have called upon the name of Christ have seen, have believed, have received the victory.
The fear of death is cancelled in the hope of the resurrection.
Because of this victory, we may no long fear death, but there's a sense in which death still violates us. It still violates our dominion. It still breaks long love relationships. It still leaves unfinished symphonies. It still removes those that are greatly needed. It still pounces on the blushing baby cheek and the aged wrinkled face. It still snatches souls and draws them in.
Death is still an enemy even though we who are Christians have no fear. It's still invades us and can hit us with a tremendous blow. But through the hope of the resurrection, we can proclaim with Isaiah 25:8 which says, he will swallow up death forever.
Death and all of its apparent victories are undone for God's children. What looks like a victory for death, and like a defeat for us; when our bodies die shall be utterly reversed so that death dies in absolute defeat, and our bodies live again in absolute victory." In other words, death is not just defeated from doing any more harm. Everything it's ever done is undone. Death is swallowed up forever.
The Scriptures tell us, "there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ." There is no sin against you, there is no sting against you. God has forgotten it. He's buried it in the seas, removed it as far as the east is from the west.
In the resurrection of Christ, and our resurrection with Christ, even the grand preacher, death is nothing. Today we celebrate that Christ is risen! Hallelujah! His is risen in deed.
Grace to you and your families on this blessed Easter Sunday,
Pastor Sam