Day 7 - Jesus died to destroy death
“17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
The Living One Who Holds the Keys
Today on our seventh and final day of prayer and fasting, we are looking at how Jesus died to destroy death.
And the verse for today describes a vision that the apostle John had of Jesus Christ. In this vision, John falls at Jesus' feet as though dead, overwhelmed by his glory and majesty. However, Jesus reassures him, by saying to him not be afraid, because He is the First and the Last. And that Jesus holds the keys and authority over death and the afterlife.
You see, the death and resurrection of Jesus destroyed the power of death, delivering us from the fear of death. God’s amazing grace for all mankind both begins and ends with Jesus.
Death Has Lost Its Sting
John was an old man in exile on the island of Patmos when he saw this vision (Revelation 1:9). The Jesus he saw was not still hanging on a cross or lying in a tomb. He is the Living One, who was dead and is now alive for ever and ever.
Jesus shared our humanity so that by His death He might break the power of the devil, who held the power of death, and free those who were held in slavery by their fear of it (Hebrews 2:14–15). He has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).
The keys are in His hands. One day death itself will be destroyed, when the dead are raised and we are changed (1 Corinthians 15:26; 1 Corinthians 15:52). Until then we can say with Paul, “Where, O death, is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and the tomb is empty.
Pray It Through
Do not be afraid. Hear Jesus say those words to you. Give Him your fear of death, or of losing someone you love.
Worship the Living One. Fall at His feet in your heart, as John did, and worship Him.
Get ready for Easter. Who could you invite to celebrate the resurrection with you tomorrow?
Let us pray
Jesus, I know you have conquered Hell and death. I desire to live with you forever, I want to be where You are. I pray that You help me to achieve this and give me the grace to serve you to the end. Amen.
Keep going
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