We have returned to wartime eras where the evening news offers grim death counts. The coronavirus pandemic has brought death to the forefront of our nations conscious. The virus has halted our nation because of its power to cause death; it is not the fever or cough that frightens us–it is the possibility of death!
Death is our enemy (1 Cor. 15:26). It is our punishment and wages for sin (Gen. 3; Rom. 6:23). Death is a certainty for all mankind (Heb. 9:27). Man lives in the fear of death (Heb. 2:15).
As we face an invisible enemy that is threatening and causing death across the globe, we should have a greater appreciation for the work of Jesus! Jesus stripped death of its power! He came to “deliver all those who through the fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:15). How ironic is it that while our nation is on quarantine, we pass the traditional Christian holiday of Easter. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ everyday, but special attention is given on this weekend. This year, we truly need a reminder of the resurrection.
Jesus saw His work on earth as confronting and destroying the enemy of death. He claimed power over death with his words. He stated, “I am the resurrection and the life, Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25-26). Earlier he stated to the Jews, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death” (John 8:51).
He demonstrated his power over death during his ministry. He brought the widow of Nain’s son back to life (Luke 7:11-17), raised Jairus’ daughter (Mat. 9:18-26), and raised his good friend Lazarus after he was dead for four days (John 11:38-44). He didn’t just claim power over death, he demonstrated it!
Ultimately, Christ triumphed over death through his own resurrection. Christ laid down his life for the sins of the world (John 10:17-18). But it was not possible that death could hold him because Christ never sinned (Acts 2:24; Rom. 6:9-10). The stone was rolled away by the power of God and Christ came out of the tomb in a resurrected body that would never die again. He overcame death! He gained the victory over death and offers that same victory to all of his followers (1 Cor. 15).
This Easter weekend with the coronavirus sweeping across our nation like a wildfire causing chaos, let us be reminded of the victory Christ won over death through his resurrection!
