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

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.

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

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

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper seeks for believers to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  Today's Solid Joys daily devotion marks day 19 of Advent, and today John Piper explores freedom from fear and anxiety.  Of course, all of humanity at one point or another struggles with fear or anxiety over one thing or another.  Nearly all of us have some level of fear over death.  Piper's opening salvo in today's devotion says "Jesus became man because what was needed was the death of a man who was more than man. The incarnation was God’s locking himself into death row. Christ did not risk death. He chose death. He embraced it. That is precisely why he came" (to serve and not to be served - Mark 10:45).  Although Satan tried to turn Jesus from the cross, Satan failed.  Piper describes how Jesus "stripped Satan of [his] power."  Now that Satan has no power - believers can no longer be condemned (Romans 8:1).  Piper wraps today's devotion by sharing how freedom from condemnation gives believers freedom from anxiety over anything from the smallest details of our lives to death itself.  Rejoice in the freedom that Christ gives us!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace for me.  You give me freedom from anxiety and from fear of death.  Thank You Jesus!  What an awesome God You are.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  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.