Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:11-18
God’s loving kindness reaches out to us even in our lowest estate. It says in Hebrews 2:14-15, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 AND DELIVER THEM WHO THROUGH FEAR OF DEATH WERE ALL THEIR LIFETIME SUBJECT TO BONDAGE.
Jesus Christ is in the process of conquering death in us and through us, His body. If a man walks into the room and puts a gun to your head demanding that you open the safe or he will blow out your brains, because of fear you would do what he says with the hope that you would preserve your life. It was the fear of death that caused you to obey his command. If you did not fear death, he would have no power over you. His power lies in your being afraid. If, on the other hand, when he says, “Give me your money or I will kill you,” you answer, “I am not afraid of you killing me,” then when he kills you, he still does not get your money. He would soon learn that he is not going to get anything from people who are not afraid to die. The thing that appeases him and makes the spirit strong in him is when you get up, get the money and give it to him. He goes to the next house and expects the same human behavior. He will never stop doing this. If, however, he knew that none of these people were going to give him what he demands, because they are not afraid of him or of death, then the power would be taken out of his hands.
The power of death lies in fear. If we are not afraid of death, then we are not afraid of anything. The power of fear is the power of the devil and that is what makes him function. Christ abolished death, yet death is a great big thing for us. We are afraid of death. WHAT GOD IS DOING FOR US NOW IN CHRIST JESUS, IS GETTING US INTO A PLACE WHERE WE WILL LOSE THE FEAR OF DEATH, AND INSTEAD WELCOME IT, AND DESTROY IT THROUGH THE POWER OF LIFE. When Jesus Christ was on earth, He had life and immortality dwelling in Him as a human being.
II Timothy 1:9-10, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, WHO HATH ABOLISHED DEATH, AND HATH BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL.”
(Excerpt from The Omega Message, June 1996, pg. 1-2)
Thought for today: There is a place in God where we can be free from the fear of death. Ask God to bring you to that place and He will.
Sonlight Devotional 
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