Hebrews 2:¹⁴ …through death (Jesus) might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.

It’s v.15 that gets my attention here. The fear of death is a powerful force for humans. Always has been. It’s amazing what people will do to avoid death. Sometimes that’s a good thing, such as when persons quit smoking or commit to a healthy lifestyle so they can be around to care for their loved-ones. Sometimes it’s not so good, such as when people betray others to save their own skins.

In our day, Western culture often sees death as a defeat to be avoided or conquered.

Many times I’ve seen people kept alive despite their very poor quality of life. Just because medical technology can keep someone’s heart beating doesn’t mean it should. If you’ve witnessed this you, know what I mean.

Salvation in Jesus Christ gives us the promise that the end of this mortal life is not the end, but merely a transition to eternal life. As such, we no longer have to fear death – though I admit sometimes I still do. This morning I’m reflecting on the truth that, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, death no longer has the last word.

What would it look like for me to embrace that truth in a more robust way? How am I being manipulated by the fear of death?

Lord reveal your truth to me so that fear of death might leave me, to be replaced by joy in the prospect of eternity with you. Amen.