Death: The Final Enemy

Last Sunday (Dec. 20), we looked at Isaiah 25.  Isaiah acknowledges that death casts a long shadow over our lives.  In the words of Paul, "death is the final enemy" (1 Cor. 15).  

Unfortunately, we know this to be true.  Death wreaks havoc in our lives.  It does not care about to-do lists or unspoken words or even age.  It ruins everything we touch.  All we have is destined toward this unspeakable end.  

Yet there's more:  fear of death leads to so many other problems like lust and anger.  Sensing that life can't be held on to, many try to get the most of out of it, often by embracing perverse forms of sensuality--greed, lust or gluttony.  Without hope for true fulfillment, they make a god of their desires, looking for one fix after another, always thirsty never satisfied.  Fear of death easily leads to anger as well.   If we're gripped by fear, then anger is right around the corner.  Afraid of losing what we can't keep anyway, we are easily angered by anyone who represents a threat to our well-being.  

But there is good news.  The good news is that God has swallowed death.  Isaiah longed for it (Isaiah 25), believing that one day there will be a banquet not tainted with death and decay.  Paul proclaimed that this vision is coming true (1 Cor. 15).  Though death is still at work, we believe it is doomed to destruction.  Christ is the firstfruits of God's new creation; he is the start of a new kingdom that is without end.  

So we don't have to live in fear or anger or lust.  We can trust in the father's great love, a love that is greater than death.  We can live with joy and hope and peace, knowing that the Kingdom to come will give us what we really need and what we really want.  

Peace!