You don't have to fear death.

​6-9-21
Today's devotion is based on 1 Corinthians 15:20. "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."
Death is the one experience that all humans share, and yet it is the one topic that we seem to avoid. Why is that? I believe it is because it is the one problem that we haven't been able to solve. We might be able to stop cancer from spreading. We might be able to stop a virus from multiplying. But we can't prevent death, and that can be terrifying. So instead of facing the hopeless situation, we ignore it.
But I have good news. We can be so sure of our resurrection. Paul calls Jesus the "first fruits" of the resurrection. The first fruits on the vine are a promise that there is more crop to come. That's why Paul goes on to say, "Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."
Our biggest problem, the one we cannot solve, has been destroyed by Jesus. That means we do not need to be afraid of death. We can still grieve when we lose a loved one. We can still have our concerns. But let us not fear death because of fear or hopelessness, for we will live again on Judgment Day. .
Please join me in praying the prayer for today: Lord Jesus, you won the victory over sin and death. Lead me to trust in your resurrection and look forward to the day you return to resurrect my body. Amen.