God's Glory Church

“Death engulfed in victory!” — 1 Corinthians 15:54

The story of the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges tells about the Roman soldier Mark Rufe, who drank water from a secret river and became immortal. However, over time, Mark realizes that immortality is not at all what he imagined it to be. A life without limits turned out to be a life without meaning. It is death that gives meaning to life. Mark finds an antidote – a stream of clean water. After drinking from it, he injures his hand on a thorn. The drop of blood that appears marks the return of mortality.

Like Mark, we also sometimes think with despair about the extinction of life and the inevitability of death (Ps. 87:4). And one can agree that death gives meaning and significance to life. However, the similarity ends there. Unlike Mark, we know that the true meaning of our lives is the death of Christ. With the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, He conquered death (1 Cor. 15:54). His “living water” became our antidote (John 4:10). For those who drank it, all the laws of life, death and immortality change (1 Cor. 15:52).

Yes, we cannot avoid physical death, but it is not important for us. The Lord Jesus freed us from the fear of death (Heb. 2:11-15). In Christ we are guaranteed eternal life and meaningful joy in heaven.

What worries you? What are your thoughts on death? How does 1 Corinthians 15 encourage you?

God, help me to accept Your promises of eternal life with You.

By: Kenneth Petersen (guest)