Victory Over Death: Future and Present
Debbie and I were at the three services of Timberline Church today to be part of sharing our story. After a three minute video reviewed the journey of my illness with West Nile, I had the opportunity to pray for people facing the “unexpected” and “challenging times” in their life. We received a lot of positive feedback and it seemed that the Lord used our story to encourage others.
In addition to that I met two individuals whose life work has been involved with West Nile Virus. One has a history of research involving the effect of West Nile Virus on animal. The other is involved with the Center of Disease Control and is working on a vaccine for West Nile Virus for humans.
Pastor Dary’s message today was about Joesph dealing with the unexpected in his life. The message is entitled, “Not My Dream” and can be found on the Timberline Church website at http://timberlinechurch.org/listen-watch/weekend
The video of my story can be found at the 25:24 time marker near the end of the message. Pastor Dary joined Debbie and me for picture after the service.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When the perishable puts on t he imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
The victor in a battle is the one standing when the dust settles after the final conflict. As Paul writes to the Corinthian Christians two thousand years ago, he addresses the confidence we can have because of the life of Christ and His work on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
The bottom line is that death does not have the final say for those who put their trust in Christ. Christ came to deliver us from the fear of death (Heb. 2:15) And through his own resurrection from the dead he assures us of our own victory over death through a new life in Him.
When is death “swallowed up in victory”? When that which can perish and that which is mortal is changed to that which is imperishable and immortal. For the believer that happens when we draw our last breathe here on earth or when Christ returns to take us to Himself.
Notice the “sting of death is sin” and the “power of sin is the law.” The grace of God through Christ removes the power of sin in the law. This has to do with my ability to live a life that is without sin and acceptable to God. It can’t be done. When we understand that we with Paul say, “what a wretched man I am.” He goes on and asked “he can deliver me from this death?” The answer, “Jesus Christ!” (Romans 7:24,25)
But in a “sin-filled” world death creates pain because of the separation. Our emotions are God-given and on this side of heaven we must deal with the loss and adjustment. The “sting” that comes from death. For the person who places their faith in Christ the “sting” is removed, while those of that friend or loved one experience the “sting.” We do grieve, but as Paul says, “not as those without hope.” As we comfort one another with words that remind us of God’s promise of eternity, we can also comfort one another in the road of life that remains after that loss.
We Paul says, “thanks be to God, He give us the victory….” I believe we can apply that to more than just our personal triumph over death, but the victory over the sting of death when we suffer loss. That victory is not the result of winning a battle but more like winning a war with many battle that are fought on many fronts. But in each situation that is faced we can be confident in Christ walking with us through, “the valley of the shadow of death.” Once again, I believe we can apply that assurance of the Lord’s care not just for those who pass from this life, but for those who walk into that valley with a loved one but emerge on the other side alone.
As much as I like the crescendo of 1 Corinthians 15:57, verse 58 is the call to action. “Therefore…..” We are to remain firm, steadfast in our faith and in our service, because we know what we believe and what we do in our walk with the Lord is not in vain. As we remain firm, we find the Lord, not just faithful in the end, but faithful in the journey till the end.