We sling around the words die and death very casually in day-to-day conversation. “I could have just died from embarrassment.” “I’m dying for some chocolate right now.” “That cheesecake is to die for.” “That kid’s going to be the death of me.”
Some of us will die instantly—in a car accident, aneurysm, or massive heart attack. But insurance actuaries will tell you that the majority of people will die slowly enough to be aware of death’s approach. Are you ready for that time? Does death terrify you? Does the dying process terrify you?
One of the most comforting aspects of Christ’s work for us is that he has gone through pain, dying, and death in advance of us. He didn’t eliminate it from the human experience. He transformed it into our Homecoming. The transition now holds no terror, no sting. Our last moment on earth is instantly transformed into our first moment with Jesus.
Here are words from the One who thought you valuable enough to die for: “God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself” (Psalm 49:15).