Scripture reading: I Corinthians 15:54–58

The Death of Death

We were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)

 

Imagine yourself living in Israel in 33 A.D. and reading the following obituary in the daily edition of the Jerusalem Times.

                                                                                   OBITUARY NOTICE

 

Death, longtime resident of Planet Earth, died suddenly over the weekend. Though most assumed Death would live forever, he received a mortal wound from one Jesus Christ in a brutal fight that occurred between Friday afternoon and Sun- day morning. Details are sketchy, but it is believed that somewhere in the regions between earth and hell, Jesus allowed himself to be “captured” by Death. Rather than succumbing to Death’s power, however, Jesus, in a surprise move, broke Death’s grip and inflicted the deadly wound.

The exact date of Death’s birth is unknown but his presence has been noted among us since the earliest historical records of our race. Since coming into our world, Death has had a long and imminently successful career. His influence has permeated every age and every civilization in history. Death made personal appointments to meet with every human being who has ever lived. His icy hands reached out to kings and peasants, the rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish, the old and the young. Hated by everyone, Death was loved only in hell. No one has expressed grief over his demise. Death always seemed to have the last word in all of his interactions. Though many tried, no one had ever been able to break his vice-like grip . . . until this past weekend.

The death of Death has been a source of great consternation to philosophers and theologians. It is reported that demons have been terrorized by the news of his demise. But many citizens of our nation have received the news of Death’s death with jubilation. One source has reported that several cemeteries in Jerusalem have experienced unexplained phenomena: graves opened and the bodies unaccounted for.

Death is survived by Sin and Hell. It seems, however, that Death’s death has weakened them both so that their well-being is also now in jeopardy. Those close to the family indicate that Sin and Hell have gone into hiding, filled with bitterness and rage. Our readers are hereby warned and urged to take precautions. These two characters are armed and considered extremely dangerous.

Unlike most funerals, services to commemorate Death’s death will be held annually. Every Easter Sunday in churches all over the world, the death of Death will be celebrated. The focus of the service will not be on Death, however, but on the Death-slayer, Jesus Christ. There will be no sorrow or tears at this “funeral” as those attending will be urged to celebrate the victory that Jesus has won in defeating our ultimate enemy.

Interment will occur in the near future, but the exact date is yet to be announced. Burial will be in the Lake of Fire.

 

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!—Robert Lowry

 

point to ponder • The sting of death is sin.

prayer focus • Thank God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice and consequent victory!