The Power Of Death

“...so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death...”  [Hebrews 2:14]

O child of God, death has lost its sting, because the devil’s power over it has been destroyed. Then cease to fear dying. Ask grace from God the Holy Spirit, as you cultivate an intimate knowledge and a firm belief of your Redeemer’s death, you may be strengthened for that solemn hour. By living near the cross of Calvary you can even to think of death with pleasure, and welcome it when it comes with intense delight. It is sweet to die in the Lord: it is a covenant-blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death is no longer banishment, it is a return from exile, a going home to the many mansions where the loved ones already dwell. The distance between glorified spirits in Heaven and living saints on earth seems great; but it is not so. We are not far from home—a moment will bring us there. The sail is spread; the soul is launched upon the ocean. But how long will be its voyage? How many wearying winds must beat upon the sail ere it shall be reefed in the port of peace? How long shall that soul be tossed upon the waves before it comes to that sea which knows no storm?  “..to be away from the body and at home with the Lord (2Co.5:8).” Your ship has just departed, but it is already at its haven. It did but spread its sail and it was there. Like that ship of old, upon the Lake of Galilee, a storm had tossed it, but Jesus said, “..Quiet! Be still.. (Mrk.4:39),” and immediately it came to land. Think not that a long period intervenes between the instant of death and the eternity of glory. When the eyes close on earth they open in heaven. The horses of fire are not an instant on the road (see 2Ki.2:11-12). Then, O child of God, what is there for you to fear in death, seeing that through the death of your Lord its curse and sting are destroyed? and now it is but a Jacob’s ladder whose foot is in the dark grave, but its top reaches to glory everlasting. Hallelujah, God bless
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