Death Never Takes a Break

Today is strange.  It is almost like Deja Vu.  I am sitting in the Montgomery Cancer Center with my wife who is dealing with the same issue that my mother just dealt with.  On the tail end of my mom's chemotherapy, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer.  As my mother walks towards the light at the end of the tunnel, my wife is now only beginning her journey.  We are very optimistic and her cancer was detected very early.  It is amazing that no matter who you are, life has a way of catching up to you.

Slightly before 8AM at the cancer center, 30 or so patients crowd into a small area waiting for labs etc. to see their oncologist or to have bloodwork done.  I thought we were early, but we are in the midst of a very busy day.  All of the patients sit and wait, converse about the day and some even express their displeasure with being here.  What is striking is the number or people that are here suffering with cancer.  And as we sit and wait, the people continue to pour in and there are more patients sitting outside the waiting area because there aren't enough seats to accommodate everyone.

The fallen condition of the world is such that death is constantly at work trying to destroy the creation.  Disease, disarray, pain, anguish, despair and sorrow all kick against mankind trying their best to take us out.  Romans 8:19-22 says that the WHOLE creation, the WHOLE earth is groaning because of the effects of sin and longs to be delivered from death.  The entire creation is longing to be renewed and restored by the appearance of Christ who will in turn "reveal the sons of God".  We are in a perilous predicament here on this planet because death never takes a day off.

Outside of Christ, the end result of the outworking of sin is death.  Through some physical manifestation, death will have the last say in this physical body if you are an unbeliever.  Unfortunately, for the one that dies outside of Christ, death will have a second say- in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Thanks be to God that just as death does not take a day off, neither does Jesus!  Let us look to the scriptures for confirmation, comfort and restoration.  Hebrews 2:14-15 states:

" Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Here, the bible says explicitly that Jesus experienced death to destroy the one who has the power of death.  Death's power and the one that holds that power have been rendered impotent by Christ's victory over death!  That is good news for all that are in Christ.  Jesus coming and tasting death for all of us once and for all (Hebrews 2:9).  There is no fear of physical death for the one that is in Christ Jesus because he not only defeated death but the one that holds death's power, that is the devil!  AND delivers all who were enslaved by the fear of death.  So, while death is constantly at work in the world, Christ has already overcome the world and by the same token He has also overcome all of the effects of the world- including death.  We all have to endure hardship and suffering but as the apostle Paul so eloquently stated in 2nd Corinthians 4:16 "though the outward man is perishing, the inner man is being renewed every day".  Let your inner man be renewed by the power of the Holy Ghost and be of good courage.  The physicality of life subjects us to many dangers, toils and snares BUT God's grace has led us safe thus far and God's grace will lead us home.  Death is at work, but it is a futile assignment against those that are in Christ.  Grace and Peace to you all.