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. Hebrews 2:14-15
As I continue to be in between studies, having wrapped up my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at death - a subject very few people ponder until they see it as imminent in their lives. Believers of course must look at death because scripture tells us not to fear death. Piper urges us to see how Christ "deliver[s] us from the fear of death and set[s] us free to live with the kind of loving abandon that can “let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also”*. Piper deconstructs Hebrews 2:14-15 to see how Christ does this:
- "Christ includes believers as His spiritual offspring that Christ shares "in flesh and blood..."
- Christ partook of the same [flesh and blood]...
- that through death...
- that 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."
Piper shares additional text, including Hebrews 10:12, Romans 8:33, Hebrews 9:14, and Romans 5:9 to further explain that "Christ defanged the devil...[b]y covering all our sin, [and that] Satan has no legitimate grounds to accuse us before God." Piper continues by sharing that "God justifies us... [t]hrough the blood of Jesus....Satan’s ultimate weapon against us is our own sin. If the death of Jesus takes it away, the chief weapon the devil has is taken out of his hand. In that sense, he is rendered powerless. So, we are free from the fear of death. God has justified us. There is only future grace in front of us." Be encouraged to live fearlessly!
*From hymn: A Mighty Fortress
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me freedom from the sting of sin and death - thank You Jesus. What an amazing gift...of course I am undeserving...my sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
