Monday, September 26, 2005

Daily reading. Blessed Assurance

Philippians 1:21-26
Blessed Assurance


In the movie Wit, Emma Thompson's character movingly portrays what it's like to face the ravages of terminal cancer. The Doctors carry on the fight against death without the perspective of faith. Death is the enemy to be fought at every turn, and they fight hard, although sometimes the patient is their victim.


Paul's attitude towards death is different. He understands that death is a defeated foe. It's still the enemy, but it's a defeated enemy. Jesus Christ conquered death and said, "I hold the keys to death and Hades."  Death had no power over him.  Nor will it have power over those who are in Christ.


For those of us who believe on the Lord Jesus, who have received his forgiveness for their sins, death will one day be powerless too. So we can say with Paul, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.


Father, thank you for the peace that has been provided through Christ's death and resurrection. Thank you that we can face any trial, even death, with calm assurance. Amen.

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