Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death (Hebrews 2: 14-15).
We’re almost there! We’ve almost made it through the season of fasting and prayer, through Lent to Easter! Keep it up, you can do it! And by the way, don’t forget to bring any money you saved up to help the Grace and Grits feeding ministry in Sanford with you to church this Easter Sunday. We want to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by doing what we can to give life to others in need!
As for the Bible passage above and many of the Bible passages we read on Easter, there is a lot of talk about fear. When the two Marys go to the tomb on the first Easter, they are startled by the angels who tell them Jesus is not there. They are afraid. The disciples are found behind the locked doors of the upper room, afraid that the religious leaders who crucified Jesus would come looking for them next. Finally, the Hebrews passage above is written to Christians facing terrible suffering and maybe death because of their faith in Jesus Christ as the risen Lord of the universe.
All of these stories prompt us to ask, “What are you afraid of?” According to Hebrews, followers of Jesus need not fear even death because Jesus’ resurrection frees us from it. Oh sure, we will all face physical death, but we need not worry about it. Because those who place their faith in Christ will come out the other side of death into eternal life with Christ.
So live lives of loving service in Jesus’ name. Share with people that the resurrection of Jesus is the reason you have hope in the midst of suffering, and live without fear. Our God of love has brought salvation to us and this world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Happy Easter!
Pastor Cameron