June 30

Love Triumphant Over Death

the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades. — Rev 1:18 BSB

St. Peter declared that it was not possible for our Lord to be held by death (Acts 2:24). It was necessary for Christ to suffer, but all the bitterness of suffering could not quench His love. He became the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, every person, even those who pierced Him, is included in His great love.

Christ died not only to take away sin but also to strip death of its terror and rob it of its sting. Through His death, Jesus destroyed the power of the devil and rendered him powerless. The prince of this world has been judged and cast down from his throne (Hebrews 2:14-15; John 12:31; John 16:11).

Let us not fear the mystery of death. Christ has shown us that it is merely the gateway to another life. The same spirit continues, but in a different environment. It is a new form of existence where familiar voices are heard and human relationships endure. During the forty days after His resurrection, Jesus revealed many truths about life after death and illuminated its mysteries. To die is to be with Him and to be welcomed into the company of loving spirits (2 Peter 1:11).

Let us not fear the loneliness of death. In the valley of the shadow, the soul becomes aware of Another walking beside it—“Thou art with me.” Death cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus died alone and felt forsaken, but none of us need face that experience. He has promised, “I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

We need not fear what comes after death. The curse and penalty of sin have been removed forever. “Who is he that condemns? It is Christ who died, and more than that, who was raised to life.” What others call death, we no longer dread—it is like sleep. Our bodies rest from their long work, only to awaken with renewed strength in the Eternal Morning. Our spirits are presented before the Presence of His Glory, faultless and with exceeding joy (Jude 1:24).

Prayer

O God, may we trust You more each day, so that when the end of our days comes, we will place our trust in You even more firmly. And when our final day arrives, may we rest in You, both in death and forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.