From Death to Life

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” — 1 Corinthians 15:55

We have reached Holy Week. There is so much rich content here that it is hard to put my finger on just one piece. For Christians, this week defines us. This week sets us free.

In recent weeks, I have taken on a somewhat obsessive interest in death. I’ve been reading Living Life Backwards by David Gibson—a commentary on Ecclesiastes that teaches us to live in light of the end.

While it sounds dark, it has given me a deeper perspective on my current life. You see, death is what gives our life value. Death is what often motivates us to live in a way that will be remembered.

If we can begin to see the beauty and opportunity in death, maybe we will begin to see the true opportunity in life. Albeit temporary, this life is an invitation—to turn to the Father, to long for Him, and to live in a way that honors Him.

There is no greater example of this than Jesus Christ.

His death meant that our death leads to life. How can it be, Lord? How can it be?

The same crowds on Palm Sunday that shouted “Hosanna” would be the same to cry out “Crucify” just days later. Everything that week—from His arrest to His crucifixion—looked like it was falling apart. Yet, it was all falling into place.

Could we go there? Could we begin to see death as a falling into place rather than a falling apart?

Let me answer that—It’s gonna be really tough. But Jesus can help. Through the guidance and counsel of the Holy Spirit, even our view of death can be transformed. But friend, it takes a deep faith and reliance to get there. If you want to be set free from the chains of death, you must know the Father who created life.

This week, as we watch what looks like the life of our Savior falling apart, some may see a parallel in their own lives.

But God.

Could your breaking, like His, be a rebuilding for what is to come?

Because what looked like the end…was only the beginning.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” — John 11:25

Reflection: How might your life change if you began to see death not as something to fear, but as an opportunity to fully trust the One who has already overcome it?

Lord, let it be so.