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
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #39: To Free Us from Bondage to the Fear of Death. The devotion explores how Satan uses fear to keep believers from living boldly for Christ. We are referred to John 8:44 where John describes Satan as a "murderer" and "the father of lies." Satan is further described in the devotion as not someone whose chief aim is to kill us but instead to deceive us into believing that "that self-exaltation is more to be desired than Christ-exaltation, and sin preferable to righteousness." If we don't we repent and seek forgiveness of sin from Christ, than we are eternally damned - hence why the devotion refers to deception as Satan's "one lethal weapon." If we do repent and seek forgiveness of sin from Christ, than we are eternally saved (see Romans 10:10) and Satan is neutralized. Piper shares: "[i]f [Satan's power to deceive] could be taken out of his hand, he would no longer have the power of eternal death. That is what Christ came to do—take that weapon out of Satan’s hand....[Once we are believers], [t]ry as he will, Satan cannot destroy us. The wrath of God is removed. His mercy is our shield. And Satan cannot succeed against us." The devotion then moves to describes in more detail how Christ neutralized Satan: "[t]o accomplish this deliverance, Christ had to take on a human nature, because without it, he could not experience death. Only the death of the Son of God could destroy the one who had the power of death." We are referred to Hebrews 2:14-15. When Christ was nailed to the cross, He also nailed our sin to the cross. The devotion winds down by sharing that "freedom from fear" was Christ's aim in His death. Fear of death is described as enslaving us and preventing us from living boldly for Him which is what Christ ultimately seeks - that we glorify Him in our lives. We stop seeking "big headed self-preservation," and instead seek what Christ desires (serving one another - see Galatians 5:13), even to the point of death. Believers know that our mortal and earthly bodies may decay and pass, Christ is saving a place for us in Heaven - see also Romans 8:11. Rejoice in Christ who gives us true freedom!
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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves me, saves me and gives me true freedom! Thank You Father God. I am not deserving of how You save and for the unbelievable blessings You pour out for me every single day and for eternity. 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 continue to 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.
